{"id":26,"date":"2026-07-01T08:15:34","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T08:15:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cellbiology-dev.i-med.ac.at\/?page_id=26"},"modified":"2026-07-20T09:08:38","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T09:08:38","slug":"the-araujo-laboratory","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cellbiology-dev.i-med.ac.at\/index.php\/the-araujo-laboratory\/","title":{"rendered":"The Araujo Laboratory"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Araujo Laboratory: Lysosomal signaling complexes \u2013 Coordinating organelle function with cellular homeostasis<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Lysosomes are membrane bound organelles that fulfill several functions, from protein degradation to the control of cellular metabolism. Due to their importance for overall proteostasis and signaling, cells have developed unique mechanisms to control lysosomal numbers, size, movement, degradative capacity, interaction with other organelles, and even lysophagy, the name given to the selective degradation of dysfunctional lysosomes. The importance of this organelle is highlighted by the variety of diseases known to be associated with lysosomal abnormalities, from monogenic lysosomal storage disorders to brain pathologies, metabolic disorders, cancer and aging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lysosomal adaptation. Lysosomal function is regulated by a pleora of proteins. They control intrinsic lysosomal properties such us pH, organelle size and interaction with other organelles. Figure modified from de Araujo et al., Traffic 2020.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of the key signaling complexes present in the lysosomal membrane is mTORC1, Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1. It regulates the balance between biosynthetic and catabolic processes influencing a plethora of cellular processes. Because mTORC1 activation triggers a fairly resource-intensive anabolic program, cells have evolved mechanisms to ensure that it only becomes active when sufficient resources are available. Over the last years, work from a number of laboratories have elucidated many aspects mTORC1\u2019s regulation: from identifying the key players, to deciphering the molecular mechanisms involved and the three-dimensional structure of these assemblies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building on this vast pool of knowledge, we focus on the interplay between canonical mTORC1 signaling components and other lysosomal proteins\/complexes.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our objectives are three fold:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) Decipher how these molecular machineries coordinate their activity and help control the organelle\u2019s properties and function. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) Determine the implication of these events for overall cellular homeostasis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) Understand how dysfunction of these processes underlies different disease conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To address the above, we combine genome editing with cell biology techniques, biochemical and imaging approaches. We also actively collaborate with structural biology groups, to shed light on specific molecular mechanisms controlling our favorite proteins.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Publications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/?term=de%20Araujo%20MEG&sort=date<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?hl=en&user=5jH0XooAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n