How aging changes mitochondrial protein connections
Aging Mitochondrial Interactome
This project looks at how proteins inside mitochondria change with age in heart and muscle to help older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11298989 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use a new chemical cross-linking with mass spectrometry method to map how mitochondrial proteins interact in heart and skeletal muscle as organisms age. They will combine these interaction maps with targeted lab tests of mitochondrial function and with experimental interventions that modify mitochondria in cells and animal models. The team aims to identify specific protein interaction losses that lead to impaired energy production, altered metabolism, and increased vulnerability in aging tissues. Findings are intended to point toward molecular targets that could be tested in future therapies to preserve heart and muscle function in older people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults or people willing to donate tissue samples or join future clinical studies focused on mitochondrial health in heart or skeletal muscle.
Not a fit: People without age-related heart or muscle issues, children, or those unwilling to provide samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular targets for treatments that improve mitochondrial energy production and reduce age-related heart and muscle decline.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior interventions that target mitochondria (exercise, metabolic supplements) have shown functional benefits with age, but applying XL-MS to map mitochondrial interaction networks is a novel, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marcinek, David J. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Marcinek, 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.