How the protein ZFAND6 helps clear damaged mitochondria and reduce inflammation
ZFAND6 regulation of mitophagy and inflammation
This project looks at whether the protein ZFAND6 helps cells remove damaged mitochondria to prevent inflammation that can contribute to aging-related illnesses and neurodegeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11266231 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one have age-related inflammation or a neurodegenerative condition, this research studies how ZFAND6 controls mitophagy — the cell's process for removing damaged mitochondria — using genetically modified mice and immune cells. The team will compare cells from Zfand6–/– mice to normal mice to see if losing ZFAND6 causes mitochondrial DNA to leak into the cell and activate inflammatory pathways such as cGAS-STING. They will use molecular tests, microscopy, and immune-signaling assays to measure mitochondria clearance and interferon/cytokine production. The researchers aim to clarify a cellular mechanism that may drive chronic inflammation in aging and neurodegenerative disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people affected by age-related chronic inflammation or neurodegenerative diseases who might later join clinical trials targeting mitophagy or the cGAS-STING pathway.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to mitochondrial damage or inflammatory signaling are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic laboratory research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets for therapies that boost removal of damaged mitochondria or block harmful inflammation in aging and neurodegenerative disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies indicate that restoring mitophagy or inhibiting cGAS-STING can reduce inflammation in animal models, but targeting ZFAND6 is a new and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Hershey, United States
- Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr — Hershey, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harhaj, Edward W — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Harhaj, Edward W
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.