How mitochondria sense energy to keep nerve cells working
Mitochondrial Energy Sensing and Neuronal Function
This project looks at how mitochondria—the cell's powerhouses—manage energy in different parts of nerve cells to help keep brain cells healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247964 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is building and using new tools to watch and control the protonmotive force (PMF), the main energy gradient inside mitochondria, within different parts of single neurons. They will combine targeted biosensors, high-resolution imaging, and cell- or animal-based models to see how mitochondrial energy changes during signaling and stress. By manipulating PMF in specific compartments (axon, dendrite, cell body) they will test how local energy affects processes like calcium handling, autophagy, and cell survival. These experiments are lab-based and aim to reveal mechanisms that could point to future therapies for neurodegenerative conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future translation would be people with neurodegenerative disorders (for example Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or ALS) or patients willing to donate tissue or participate in future related clinical studies, although the current work is lab-focused.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatments or those without nervous system diseases are unlikely to get direct benefit from this laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to protect nerve cells and slow or prevent neurodegenerative disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies using mitochondrial sensors and targeted manipulations have yielded important insights in cells and animal models, but direct benefits for patients have not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wojtovich, Andrew Phillip — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Wojtovich, Andrew Phillip
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.