Mitochondria are the major generators of intracellular energy. In a cycle of oxidation they produce the electron donors NADH and FADH2 that are utilised by the electron transport chain to generate the mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP, the cell's major source of energy. Mitochondria have additional roles that determine life and death of cells: they produce signals that lead to apoptosis and so changes in their physiology can trigger oncogenic events.

The focus of our laboratory is the study of the physiological changes in mitochondrial energy metabolism that regulate apoptosis and can lead to cancer formation. We are studying the relationship between mitochondrial function and structure and its effects on the release of apoptogenic factors from the mitochondrial intermembrane space.

We are also focusing on the biochemical signals, which contribute to tumourigenesis, which are generated by defective mitochondria in tumours. In particular, we are investigating deficiency in the mitochondrial tumour suppressors succinate dehydrogenase and fumarate hydratase. We aim to use this knowledge to develop strategies to target mitochondria in order to induce tumour regression.