How neurons place mitochondria as they age and after injury
The role and regulation of mitochondrial localization in mature neurons.
This project looks at how nerve cells move and position mitochondria during aging and after injury, and how that matters for Alzheimer’s.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11242075 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are following how mitochondria — the cell’s energy units — travel to and stay at important spots in nerve cells, especially in older brains and after damage. They will use laboratory models of neurons and Alzheimer-related models to watch mitochondrial movement, test the signals that make mitochondria move or anchor, and see how those changes affect neuron health. The team will compare young versus aged conditions and look at responses after injury to understand short- and long-term control of mitochondrial placement. Findings may point to ways to support neuron function in Alzheimer’s and other nervous system injuries.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with Alzheimer’s disease or age-related memory problems are the patient group most connected to this research and could be relevant for related future studies.
Not a fit: People without neurodegenerative conditions or whose problems are unrelated to neuronal mitochondrial function are unlikely to see direct benefits from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to help protect neurons and slow decline in Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have linked misplaced mitochondria to neuron dysfunction in animal and cell models, but translating those findings into Alzheimer's therapies remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Sung Min — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Han, Sung Min
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.