How the process of mitophagy helps maintain healthy tissues
Official title: Mechanisms of mitophagy in tissue health and homeostasis
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-11017113 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a process called mitophagy helps keep our cells healthy by getting rid of damaged parts, using fruit flies to learn more about how this works in the body, especially for diseases related to mitochondria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $373,129 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156765-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017113 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by metabolic or neurodegenerative diseases that involve mitochondrial damage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to mitochondrial dysfunction may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mitophagy, a process that removes damaged mitochondria, in maintaining tissue health. By using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism, the researchers aim to understand how mitophagy functions in living tissues, particularly in the context of diseases that involve mitochondrial damage. The study focuses on genetic factors that influence mitophagy and seeks to uncover the mechanisms that support tissue function and health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into treating diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, such as metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial quality control mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Insolera, Ryan — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Insolera, Ryan
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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.