How viruses reshape the connections between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum
Dynamic virus-driven remodeling of ER-mitochondria contacts
This work looks at how common human viruses such as cytomegalovirus, influenza, and coronaviruses change the links between cell energy centers (mitochondria) and the endoplasmic reticulum, which can affect cell metabolism and survival.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137672 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers infect cells with human viruses and map how organelles change using high-resolution imaging and protein-level analyses. The team combines quantitative proteomics with super-resolution microscopy to chart rewiring of membrane contact sites (MCS) between organelles. They have already discovered a new mitochondria-ER encapsulation structure (MENC) triggered by HCMV and will study how these structures affect organelle shape, bioenergetics, and cell viability. The goal is to identify the protein interactions and mechanisms viruses use to remodel organelles so future therapies can target those processes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal contributors would be people with recent or chronic infections by human cytomegalovirus, influenza, or related respiratory viruses, or individuals willing to donate blood or tissue samples for research.
Not a fit: People without viral infections or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to gain direct benefit because this is basic laboratory research that may lead to therapies only in the longer term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to prevent viruses from hijacking cell energy systems, guiding development of antivirals or treatments that protect cells during infection.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work from this lab and others has shown viruses can reorganize organelle contact sites and has identified structures like MENCs, but translating these discoveries into therapies remains novel and ongoing.
Where this research is happening
Princeton, UNITED STATES
- Princeton University — Princeton, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cristea, Ileana M. — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Cristea, Ileana M.
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.