How mitochondria move and manage calcium inside cells
Molecular mechanisms of the mitochondrial calcium transport system
Researchers are learning how proteins in mitochondria move calcium to help people with heart attack, stroke-related injury, and some neurodegenerative conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11314517 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses lab experiments to pinpoint how three mitochondrial calcium transport systems work and how they interact. The team will combine biochemical tests, biophysics, electrical recordings, and high-resolution structural imaging to study key protein subunits (including neuron-focused MICU3 and MCUR1) and the exchangers NCLX and Letm1. They will also search for small molecules that can turn the mitochondrial calcium channel on or off and define how those compounds work. Findings are aimed at revealing molecular steps that could be targeted to protect cells from damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this is lab-based research without patient enrollment, the results would be most relevant to people affected by ischemia-reperfusion injury (heart attack or stroke), heart failure, or certain neurodegenerative diseases.
Not a fit: People with health issues unrelated to mitochondrial calcium handling are unlikely to see direct benefits from this project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify drug targets or compounds that protect the heart and brain from calcium-related damage and influence cancer cell behavior.
How similar studies have performed: Scientists have previously mapped parts of the mitochondrial calcium system and found some modulators, but key subunit functions and precise drug mechanisms remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsai, Ming-Feng — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Tsai, Ming-Feng
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.