How mitochondria move small molecules inside nerve cells
A systems approach to decode mitochondrial metabolite transport
This work finds which mitochondrial carrier proteins shuttle key molecules in nerve cells to better understand brain-related metabolic problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308333 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will focus on the SLC25 family of mitochondrial carrier proteins that move metabolites across the mitochondrial membrane. They will use gene knock-out and overexpression in cells and human iPSC-derived neurons combined with mitochondrial metabolomics to see which molecules each carrier transports. The team will also use sequence and structural analysis to guide in vitro uptake tests to reveal how these proteins recognize their ligands. Together this approach aims to show how changes in these transporters affect neuronal and synaptic metabolism.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inherited or suspected mitochondrial or neurological disorders might be most relevant if follow-up clinical studies or sample donations are developed.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or those with conditions unrelated to mitochondrial metabolism are unlikely to benefit directly from this lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new causes of neuronal metabolic dysfunction and point to molecular targets for future therapies for some brain disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Related work from the same lab discovered that SLC25A39 mediates glutathione uptake into mitochondria, showing this strategy can identify transporter functions though many SLC25 members remain uncharacterized.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shen, Hongying — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Shen, Hongying
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.