How mitochondria influence cell movement and signaling
Official title: Mitochondrial positioning regulates redox-signaling during cell migration
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-10906735 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tiny powerhouses in our cells, called mitochondria, help cells move around, which is important for understanding certain diseases, and it focuses on a special protein that helps keep these mitochondria in the right place.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $330,756 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM143250-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906735 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to abnormal cell migration, such as cancer patients or those with wound healing issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cell migration or mitochondrial dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mitochondria in cell migration, focusing on how their positioning within cells affects energy levels and signaling molecules. By studying the adapter protein Miro1, the research aims to understand how the distribution of mitochondria influences the movement of cells, particularly in relation to reactive oxygen species like hydrogen peroxide. The approach includes manipulating mitochondrial positioning in cell models to observe changes in migration and signaling pathways. This could provide insights into cellular behaviors relevant to various diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing or inhibiting cell migration, which is crucial in cancer metastasis and wound healing.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial roles in cell signaling and migration, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cunniff, Brian — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Cunniff, Brian
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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.