How DRP1 and mitochondrial adapters affect nerve-cell communication
Dynamin-Related Protein 1 and Mitochondrial Fission Adapters Regulate Presynaptic Function
This project explores whether restoring normal mitochondrial splitting in nerve cells can help protect brain connections in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nevada Reno NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Reno, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145765 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, researchers are studying proteins that control how mitochondria divide inside nerve-cell endings because that process helps provide energy for signals between brain cells. In lab models they will remove or change adapter proteins (MFF, FIS1) and the DRP1 protein to see how those changes affect mitochondrial health and synaptic transmission. The team will also try putting DRP1 back onto mitochondria to see if that rescues function and compare the different results to build a fuller picture. The findings are intended to point toward ways to prevent synapse failure that contributes to cognitive decline.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with Alzheimer's disease or early-stage cognitive decline would be most relevant for future clinical work based on these findings.
Not a fit: Individuals without neurodegenerative disease or whose symptoms arise from non‑mitochondrial causes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point toward therapies that protect synapses and slow progression of Alzheimer's by targeting mitochondrial fission.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cell and animal studies have linked DRP1 and mitochondrial fission to Alzheimer-like damage and shown promising rescue when fission is modulated, but benefits in humans have not yet been proven.
Where this research is happening
Reno, United States
- University of Nevada Reno — Reno, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Renden, Robert B — University of Nevada Reno
- Study coordinator: Renden, Robert B
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.