Autophagy is an intracellular process that allows the degradation and recycling of cellular components. This pathway is associated with numerous physiological functions and pathological conditions. Understanding its molecular principles is thus of primary relevance for medical applications.
Assistant Professor, Principal Investigator
Ultrastructural characterization of the process of autophagy
Our research is subdivided into two major areas of interest:
1) Investigation of the membrane rearrangements underlying the biogenesis of the autophagosomes, the vesicular carriers that are the hallmark of autophagy. For our studies, we are mostly using yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as a model system. Studies are performed using immuno-electron microscopy, tomography and correlative electron and light microscopy methods, that we have adapted to explore the ultrastructure of this organism.
2) Improvement and development of new electron microscopy approaches to increase the number of biological questions that can be addressed with these techniques.
Our expertise in electron microscopy approaches is giving us the opportunity to have numerous collaborations on studies multiple cell biological topics and in various organisms.
We participate in the Groningen Autophagy Group.
Financial support:
2019 Osaka University’s International Joint Research Promotion Program (3 years). During this 3 years, Dr. Mari will be crossed appointed with the University of Osaka, Japan.
2018: Earth and Life Sciences (ALW) open program grant (3 years)
2016: “Equipment funds” grant, UMCG, NL
Awards and honors:
2004 Marie Curie Fellowship, program for two years post-doctoral position in the Department of Cell biology, UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands
2003 Fellowship INSERM “bourse des Français a l’étranger”, program for one year post-doctoral position in the Department of Cell biology, UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands
2002 Fellowship INSERM/NH&MRC program for a scientific visit to Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
![]() |
![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
|
![]() Traffic (2014) Vol. 15. |
![]() |
Though there is currently not a defined research project, Masters students, from the different Master Programs at the University of Groningen, and technician trainees, from the different “Hogeschools” in the Netherlands, are welcome to contact Dr. Muriel Mari to discuss further internship possibilities.
You can apply via this application form.
Postdoctoral fellow
Thomas Wassner (2006, visiting Postdoctoral fellow)
PhD students
Leticia Lemus (2015, visiting PhD student)
Ann-Katrin Unger (2013, visiting PhD student)
Xingdong Zhou (PhD student, CSC fellowship, Graduation in December 2017)
Master students
Stephanie Kappes (2010–2011)
Ester Rieter (2007-2008)
Laurent Yvan-Charvet (2000)
Technician trainees
Kerst-Jan Hijlkema (2015-2016)
Marinke van Oooschot (2009-2010)
Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now