How DRP1 and mitochondrial adapters affect nerve-cell communication
Official title: Dynamin-Related Protein 1 and Mitochondrial Fission Adapters Regulate Presynaptic Function
Funded at University of Nevada Reno · NIH-11145765 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $430,103 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS119980-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11145765 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with Alzheimer's disease or early-stage cognitive decline would be most relevant for future clinical work based on these findings.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without neurodegenerative disease or whose symptoms arise from non‑mitochondrial causes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Nevada Reno
Reno, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Renden, Robert B — University of Nevada Reno
- Study coordinator: Renden, Robert B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How PrEP Drugs Affect HIV Risk in Women and Reproductive Health
This project looks at how PrEP medicines work for women, and whether they influence pregnancy-related processes in the uterus.
-
TrkB’s role in SCI-related bladder cell death and overactivity
Researchers are studying how a brain-derived nerve receptor (TrkB) on specific bladder cells may die after spinal cord injury, contributing to urge to urinate problems, to find ways to prevent it.
-
Gut-resident macrophages and gastric function in gastroparesis
A study in people with gastroparesis to understand how gut macrophages affect stomach movement and gut barrier health, with the hope of finding new ways to treat the condition.
-
Molecular details of AKAP signaling and how it directs cell behavior
A clinician-friendly look at how AKAP proteins organize cell signaling to influence disease-related cell functions and how new targeted approaches might control these signals.
-
Role of purinergic signaling in diabetic bladder dysfunction
A study in mouse models of type 2 diabetes will explore how purinergic signaling in the bladder lining may contribute to bladder dysfunction.
-
Fixing cholesterol transport to restore nerve insulation in inherited peripheral neuropathies
This project aims to boost the ABCA1 cholesterol transporter to help restore myelin (the insulating layer around nerves) in people with inherited peripheral demyelinating neuropathies.
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.