A druggable mito-nuclear feedback mechanism that preserves mitochondrial and synaptic function in old age
Official title: A druggable mito-nuclear feedback mechanism that preserves mitochondrial and synaptic function in old-age
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11411346 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new NIH-funded program aims to understand a brain mechanism that links mitochondria to gene control, with the goal of keeping brain cells happy in aging and Alzheimer's-related dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $857,190 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG095974-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11411346 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias or those at risk who may benefit from therapies targeting mitochondrial and synaptic function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without ADRD or those not affected by mitochondrial dysfunction may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how mitochondria communicate with the cell nucleus to regulate energy and brain cell function as we age, focusing on a brain-specific feedback loop involving acetyl-CoA and ATP synthase. Researchers will study how this loop affects mitochondrial and synaptic gene expression and test how a drug candidate called J147 influences this process in aging models. The work includes longitudinal EEG studies in mouse models to observe how neuronal activity correlates with molecular changes. Findings could point to new strategies to maintain brain health and potentially slow progression in ADRD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to therapies that preserve brain energy and connections, potentially slowing ADRD-related decline.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show related mitochondrial and epigenetic mechanisms can influence brain aging, with some evidence in animal models supporting this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Petrascheck, Michael — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Petrascheck, Michael
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.