Figuring out what proteins inside mitochondria do
Systems-to-structure approaches for defining mitochondrial protein function
Researchers are identifying the jobs of unknown mitochondrial proteins to help people with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases linked to mitochondria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323009 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As someone affected by mitochondrial-linked conditions, I would want researchers to combine genetic, biochemical, and structural approaches to discover what unknown mitochondrial proteins do. The team will map where these proteins are in cells, identify what they interact with, and determine their three-dimensional shapes to learn how they work. By systematically working through many previously uncharacterized proteins, they hope to reveal new links between mitochondrial function and diseases like Alzheimer’s and type 2 diabetes, and point toward possible tests or treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, or suspected mitochondrial disorders would be most likely to follow these findings or take part in any future related studies.
Not a fit: Individuals seeking an immediate new treatment or those without conditions tied to mitochondrial dysfunction are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this grant itself.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new disease mechanisms and point to diagnostic markers or drug targets for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes, and mitochondrial disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous efforts like MitoCarta successfully identified many mitochondrial proteins, but systematically defining functions and structures for the remaining orphan proteins is largely novel and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pagliarini, David J — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Pagliarini, David J
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 below.