How actin changes inside cells affect mitochondria
The impact of dynamic actin polymerization on mitochondrial dynamics and function
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · DARTMOUTH COLLEGE · NIH-11172519
This project explores how short-lived changes in the cell’s actin skeleton change mitochondria and may help people with actin‑linked conditions like focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and Charcot‑Marie‑Tooth (CMT) disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DARTMOUTH COLLEGE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HANOVER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11172519 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From your perspective, scientists are studying two brief actin structures—calcium‑induced actin (CIA) and depolarization‑induced actin (ADA)—to see how they alter mitochondrial shape, calcium levels, and function. They will use cultured cells and molecular tools to trigger CIA or ADA, manipulate proteins such as INF2, PKC‑β, Rac, and the Arp2/3/WAVE machinery, and follow mitochondria with live imaging and biochemical assays. The team will measure mitochondrial calcium, fission events, and energy production after these manipulations. Results aim to link these cellular events to how INF2 mutations cause diseases like FSGS and CMT.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for any human sampling or future studies would be people with FSGS or Charcot‑Marie‑Tooth disease linked to INF2 mutations, or patients willing to provide tissue or blood samples.
Not a fit: People without actin/INF2‑related disorders or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could reveal molecular steps that cause mitochondrial damage in actin‑related diseases and point to targets for future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab work shows INF2‑dependent actin can increase mitochondrial calcium and fission, but fully connecting these pathways to patient disease mechanisms and therapies is still new.
Where this research is happening
HANOVER, UNITED STATES
- 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 below.