How cells keep mitochondrial DNA healthy
Systems analysis of mitochondrial genome maintenance in physiological context
This work looks at the proteins and processes that keep mitochondrial DNA intact to help people with mitochondrial disorders and some cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178758 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will map the proteins that sit on mitochondrial DNA and study how mitochondria copy and sort their genomes inside cells and whole animals. They will use advanced live-cell and live-animal microscopy to watch mitochondrial DNA in real time, proteomics to identify protein partners, and single-cell RNA analyses to see how individual cells respond. Experiments will test how cells prevent the spread of harmful mtDNA mutations and how mtDNA copy number is controlled across different tissues. Together these methods aim to reveal new pathways that explain why mitochondrial problems show up differently in different tissues and in cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with diagnosed mitochondrial DNA disorders or cancers linked to mitochondrial dysfunction who might donate samples or join future clinical studies.
Not a fit: People whose illnesses are unrelated to mitochondrial DNA problems or who cannot provide samples are unlikely to see direct benefits from this basic science work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal targets for tests or treatments that prevent or reduce diseases caused by faulty mitochondrial DNA.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies using microscopy and proteomics have identified some mtDNA-associated proteins, but turning those findings into therapies remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lewis, Samantha C — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Lewis, Samantha C
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.