How mitochondria split inside cells
Defining Molecular Interactions that Drive Mitochondrial Fission
['FUNDING_R01'] · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11251799
This research looks at how proteins control mitochondria splitting, a process linked to cancers, heart disease, and neurodegeneration.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11251799 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use high-resolution imaging and molecular experiments to see how the protein Drp1 and other factors come together to pinch mitochondria apart. They will study different shapes and intermediate forms of these proteins using cryo-electron microscopy and complementary cell-based experiments. The team aims to link specific protein interactions to loss of mitochondrial function and cell damage. Findings could guide development of treatments that protect cells in cancer, heart, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer, cardiovascular disease, or neurodegenerative disorders are the most likely to benefit from these findings and could be candidates for future related studies.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate changes in their clinical care or those without mitochondrial-related conditions are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for drugs or therapies that protect mitochondria and improve treatment of cancer, heart disease, and neurodegeneration.
How similar studies have performed: High-resolution structural methods like cryo-EM have successfully explained other molecular machines, but applying them to Drp1 and mitochondrial fission is still revealing new details that are not yet fully understood.
Where this research is happening
CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES
- CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY — CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MEARS, JASON — CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: MEARS, JASON
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.
Conditions: Cancers, Cardiovascular Diseases