Fatty acid metabolism problems in mitochondrial disease models
Official title: Fatty acid metabolism in disease models of mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis deficiency.
Funded at Van Andel Research Institute · NIH-11384464 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant supports studying how fat metabolism in mitochondria goes wrong in disease models, with the hope of helping kids with mitochondrial disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project start | August 4, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $240,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD114905-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384464 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk for mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis deficiencies or MePAN-related symptoms whose cellular or animal models are used in the study.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without mitochondrial disorders or related metabolic conditions may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
The project explores how the mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis pathway affects cells in disease models, including MePAN syndrome, to understand why these conditions cause developmental and systemic problems. Researchers will examine the roles of lipoic acid and long-chain fatty acids produced by mtFAS and how their deficiency disrupts energy production and cellular function. By using human-relevant models and genetic approaches, the work aims to pinpoint parts of the pathway that could be targeted for therapy. The findings could guide new treatment ideas for patients with primary mitochondrial diseases that begin in childhood.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to targeted therapies that improve mitochondrial function and reduce symptoms for children with mtFAS-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows that understanding mtFAS biology can reveal therapeutic targets, but clinical applications for MePAN are still developing.
Where this research is happening
-
Van Andel Research Institute
Grand Rapids, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nowinski, Sara Marie — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Nowinski, Sara Marie
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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.