How cells remove a damaging molecule that blocks the cell's energy cycle
Unraveling the physiological and metabolic impacts of a universal metabolite repair enzyme that removes a strong inhibitor of the TCA cycle
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11321694
It finds out how cells clear a harmful molecule that jams the citric acid (TCA) cycle so cells can make energy normally.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11321694 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project focuses on an enzyme that repairs a damaged metabolite that strongly inhibits the TCA (citric acid) cycle, a core energy pathway in cells. Researchers will use biochemical tests, genetic experiments, and cellular or model-system approaches to see how the damaged molecule forms and how the repair enzyme converts it back to a usable compound. They will examine what happens to cell respiration and metabolism when the repair system fails. Results could reveal how defects in this repair process cause certain metabolic diseases and point to molecular targets for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with rare or unexplained inherited metabolic conditions that affect the TCA/cellular respiration pathway, or families with suspected metabolite-repair gene variants, would be most relevant to future clinical follow-up.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular energy metabolism are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic biochemical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal causes of some inherited metabolic disorders and suggest new ways to restore normal energy metabolism.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research over the last 15 years has linked defects in metabolite-repair genes to human metabolic diseases, but applying this knowledge specifically to this repair enzyme and its TCA-cycle effects is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NIEHAUS, THOMAS D — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: NIEHAUS, THOMAS D
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.