How actin and mitochondria talk to each other in human cells
Official title: The impact of dynamic actin polymerization on mitochondrial dynamics and function
Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-11398037 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A five-year NIH grant at Dartmouth is exploring how tiny parts of the cell skeleton (actin) interact with mitochondria to affect cell energy and health, with potential relevance to human diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2017 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $794,426 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM122545-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11398037 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable; basic cellular research, not a patient-specific intervention.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefit is not immediate; the study is foundational science.
What this research studies
This project studies specific, transient actin structures in human cells and how they influence mitochondria, calcium flow, and energy. Researchers will examine two actin structures called CIA and ADA and how they alter mitochondrial function when cells are stressed or depolarized. The work uses cellular models to trace the chain from actin dynamics to mitochondrial changes and disease-linked proteins like INF2. By understanding these connections, the project aims to reveal targets that could inform therapies for conditions tied to mitochondrial dysfunction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Insights into cellular mechanisms that could guide future treatments for mitochondrial-related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research links actin dynamics to mitochondrial behavior, suggesting this approach could yield meaningful advances.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Higgs, Henry N — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Higgs, Henry N
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.