How cells control NAD between mitochondria and the rest of the cell
Dissecting metabolic control by cytosolic-mitochondrial NAD compartmentalization
This project looks at how moving the molecule NAD into mitochondria changes cell energy and resilience, with the goal of helping people with aging-related conditions and cancer in the long term.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321257 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You will hear about research that studies how cells set NAD levels inside mitochondria versus the rest of the cell and how that affects metabolism and stress responses. The team is focusing on a newly identified transporter protein, SLC25A51, that moves NAD into mitochondria and will use genetic and biochemical experiments in lab-grown human cells. They will change the transporter’s activity, measure mitochondrial function and NAD distribution, and track effects on pathways tied to aging and cancer. The work aims to reveal basic mechanisms that could guide future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by age-related conditions, mitochondrial disorders, or certain cancers could be the eventual beneficiaries of therapies built from these findings.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatments or those with conditions unrelated to mitochondrial metabolism are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to boost mitochondrial NAD to improve cellular energy, slow age-related decline, or complement cancer treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research increasing NAD levels has shown benefits in animal studies and some early human work, but targeting mitochondrial NAD uptake via SLC25A51 is a novel approach with limited clinical testing so far.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kory, Nora — Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Kory, Nora
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.