How the mitochondrial fat cardiolipin helps the ADP/ATP energy transporter work
An intimate and multifaceted partnership: cardiolipin and the mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier
This research looks at how a special mitochondrial fat called cardiolipin supports the ADP/ATP transporter, which is important for people with some mitochondrial diseases like 3‑methylglutaconic aciduria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237589 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study proteins and membranes in the lab, using yeast models and human versions of the ADP/ATP transporter to see how cardiolipin affects their shape and partners. They will use biochemical, genetic, and interaction-mapping methods to find which protein contacts depend on cardiolipin and how that influences transporter assembly. The team links these molecular effects to conditions caused by altered cardiolipin metabolism and ANT gene changes. Understanding these relationships could point to molecular targets for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with mitochondrial conditions related to cardiolipin metabolism or ANT/ADP‑ATP translocator mutations—such as 3‑methylglutaconic aciduria type 2 or ANT1‑related disorders—would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated illnesses or mitochondrial problems that do not involve cardiolipin or the ADP/ATP carrier are unlikely to see direct benefit from this research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover molecular targets to restore mitochondrial energy exchange and guide new treatments for cardiolipin-related mitochondrial disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior basic studies in yeast and work comparing yeast and human transporter isoforms have shown cardiolipin is important for transporter interactions, so this project builds on promising preclinical findings rather than being an untested idea.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Claypool, Steven Michael — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Claypool, Steven Michael
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.