How Mitochondria Organize Themselves Inside Cells
Dynamic Internal Spatial Organization of Mitochondria
This research helps us understand how the tiny powerhouses inside our cells, called mitochondria, arrange themselves to keep our bodies healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11089265 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Mitochondria are like small engines within our cells, essential for energy and many other vital processes. Their internal structure and how they are spread throughout cells are very important for them to work correctly. When this organization goes wrong, it can contribute to serious conditions like nerve damage and diabetes. This project aims to uncover the secrets of how cells tell mitochondria what they need and how mitochondria then change their internal setup to meet those demands. We're looking at how their structure is coordinated when they divide, how they adapt to local energy needs, and their overall internal arrangement.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future clinical applications could benefit individuals with diseases linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding how mitochondria organize themselves could lead to new ways to prevent or treat diseases caused by mitochondrial problems, such as neurodegeneration and diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: While the fundamental importance of mitochondrial organization is known, this project explores novel mechanistic details of how this organization is dynamically controlled.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Friedman, Jonathan R. — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Friedman, Jonathan R.
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.