How mTORC1 and mTORC2 help keep nerve cells healthy
Molecular Genetic Analysis of TORC1 and TORC2 Signaling in Neuronal Maintenance
This project looks at how two cellular signaling systems (mTORC1 and mTORC2) keep nerve cells' mitochondria and proteins healthy, which could help people with Parkinson's, stroke, or brain injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11240324 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, researchers at Stanford use genetic and molecular lab techniques in cells and animal models to study how the PINK1/Parkin pathway and mTORC1/mTORC2 control mitochondrial quality and protein balance in neurons. They change genes and signaling activity to observe effects on mitochondrial biogenesis, fission/fusion, transport, and mitophagy, and then measure neuron survival and function. Experiments include biochemical assays, imaging, and genetic tools to map how these systems interact to maintain neuronal health. Although the work is lab-based, it focuses on processes tied to Parkinson's disease and other brain disorders with the goal of guiding future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with Parkinson's disease, recent stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other neurodegenerative conditions would be most likely to benefit from future therapies informed by this research, though the project does not currently enroll patients.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment improvements or clinical care will not receive direct benefits because this is preclinical laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for treatments that protect neurons and improve mitochondrial health in Parkinson's and other brain injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies targeting PINK1/Parkin and mTOR pathways have shown neuroprotective effects in cell and animal models, but translating those findings to effective human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Bingwei — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Lu, Bingwei
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.