How nerve cells move and recycle mitochondria
Mechanism and function of retrograde mitochondrial transport in axons
Researchers are looking at how nerve cells move mitochondria backward along their fibers to learn how this process affects Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11283944 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work explores how mitochondria are transported back toward the cell body along neuron axons and how that movement affects mitochondrial health. Scientists will use lab-grown neurons and advanced imaging and molecular tools to track retrograde mitochondrial transport and the proteins that guide it. They will connect those findings to changes seen in Alzheimer's disease to understand whether transport problems contribute to neuron damage. The goal is to find cellular processes that could become targets for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not appear to enroll patients directly, but people with early Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment would be the most relevant group for future clinical follow-up studies.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or those seeking immediate treatment options are unlikely to see direct benefit from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new targets or strategies to protect neurons and slow Alzheimer’s progression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have linked defective mitochondrial transport to neurodegeneration, but translating these findings into treatments remains unproven and early.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Drerup, Catherine M — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Drerup, Catherine M
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.