How neurons send mRNA to their mitochondria
Axonal Transport of mRNA for Mitochondrial Proteins
The team is looking at how neurons send mRNA that makes mitochondrial proteins, with findings that could help people with nerve or mitochondrial disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11318951 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You will read about lab work that maps which mRNAs bind to the protein synaptojanin2 and travel on mitochondria into axons and dendrites. The researchers made mouse and human stem-cell-derived neurons carrying a mutation in synaptojanin2's RNA-binding domain to see which messages fail to get transported. They will catalog the mRNAs found on neuronal mitochondria and test how disrupted transport affects mitochondrial health and axon function. This basic research aims to reveal mechanisms that might guide future therapies to protect nerve cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inherited Parkinson's-linked mutations, other neurodegenerative disorders, or mitochondrial diseases would be most relevant to future applications of this work.
Not a fit: Patients with health issues unrelated to nerve or mitochondrial function are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to protect neurons and inform treatments for neurodegenerative and mitochondrial diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier lab studies showed PINK1 mRNA moves on mitochondria and that synaptojanin2 can bind mRNA, so this builds on promising basic findings but remains preclinical.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwarz, Thomas L. — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Schwarz, Thomas L.
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.