How mitochondrial shape and movement predict cell behavior
Decode Mitochondrial Morphology Dynamics to Predict Cell Fate Decisions
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11014663
This project builds tools to watch tiny mitochondria inside cells and uses their shapes and movement to predict whether cells will grow, change, or become diseased, which could help people with intestinal diseases or cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11014663 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use advanced 4D light-sheet microscopes and computer image-processing to track entire mitochondrial networks inside living cells and organoids. They will expand a prototype tracking tool so it works across different cell types and mitochondrial shapes. The team will link mitochondrial network patterns to how intestinal stem cells differentiate and to signals that drive those fate decisions. Finally, they will build a predictive computer model that connects mitochondrial morphology and signaling to cell outcomes, with an eye toward conditions like Crohn’s disease and colorectal cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with intestinal conditions such as Crohn’s disease or colorectal cancer, or those with disorders tied to mitochondrial dysfunction, are the most likely to benefit or to be candidates for future sample donation or trials.
Not a fit: Anyone seeking an immediate new therapy is unlikely to benefit directly from this basic science project in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable earlier detection of disease-related cell changes and point to new targets for treatments that preserve healthy cell function.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research links mitochondrial shape to cell function, but fully tracking whole mitochondrial networks in 4D and using that information to predict cell fate is a novel approach supported so far by promising preliminary data.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SCHOENEBERG, JOHANNES — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- Study coordinator: SCHOENEBERG, JOHANNES
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: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, Cancers