Investigating how a specific enzyme can help improve energy production in cells with mitochondrial issues
Official title: NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)-mediated bypass of mitochondrial electron transport chain with artificial and endogenous substrates
Funded at Scintillon Institute for Photobiology · NIH-10789749 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific enzyme called NQO1 can help cells produce energy when their usual energy-making process isn't working well, which could lead to new treatments for conditions related to mitochondrial problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scintillon Institute for Photobiology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $529,650 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG085012-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10789749 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with known mitochondrial dysfunction or related metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without mitochondrial dysfunction or those not experiencing related metabolic issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the enzyme NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in bypassing the mitochondrial electron transport chain, which is crucial for energy production in cells. By identifying both artificial and natural substrates that can be processed by NQO1, the study aims to restore balance in cellular energy metabolism, particularly in conditions where mitochondrial dysfunction is present. The approach involves using advanced metabolomic profiling techniques to discover how this enzyme interacts with various metabolites, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for diseases linked to mitochondrial issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve energy production in patients with mitochondrial dysfunction, potentially alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using NQO1-mediated electron transfer is novel, similar strategies targeting mitochondrial dysfunction have shown promise in other research.
Where this research is happening
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Scintillon Institute for Photobiology
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cracan, Valentin — Scintillon Institute for Photobiology
- Study coordinator: Cracan, Valentin
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.