How Cell Parts Change to Affect Cell Identity and Health
Molecular Principles Governing Mitochondrial and Peroxisomal Remodeling as Drivers of Cell Fate and Identity
This research explores how tiny parts within our cells, called mitochondria and peroxisomes, change and interact to determine a cell's purpose and overall health, especially in conditions like neurodevelopmental diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11136249 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells contain specialized compartments like mitochondria and peroxisomes, which are essential for many cellular processes, including energy production and waste removal. This project aims to understand how these compartments change their shape and interact with each other, a process called remodeling, and how these changes influence a cell's identity and function. We are particularly interested in a protein called MCL-1, which plays a role in both cell survival and the way mitochondria look and behave. By studying these fundamental processes, we hope to uncover how disruptions in mitochondrial and peroxisomal dynamics contribute to conditions like neurodevelopmental diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients with neurodevelopmental diseases or other conditions linked to problems with cell organelle function.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to mitochondrial or peroxisomal function or cell fate regulation would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of the root causes of neurodevelopmental diseases and potentially identify new targets for future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon the principal investigator's previous work, which has already revealed important roles for the MCL-1 protein in regulating mitochondrial shape and cell state.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gama, Vivian — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Gama, Vivian
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.