Investigating how mitochondrial function affects brain injury in newborns
Official title: Mitochondrial proton leak and neonatal brain injury
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11092234 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with tiny parts of cells called mitochondria can affect brain injuries in newborns who don't get enough oxygen, and it hopes to find new ways to help protect their developing brains.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 19, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $605,576 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS133383-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092234 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are newborns or infants who have experienced hypoxia-ischemia or are at risk for brain injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults or those who have not experienced hypoxia-ischemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to brain injuries caused by hypoxia-ischemia in newborns. The study examines the differences in mitochondrial behavior between neonates and adults, particularly how certain proteins influence cell death during brain injury. By using neonatal animal models, the research aims to identify new therapeutic approaches that could protect the developing brain from injury. The methodology includes assessing the biophysical properties of mitochondrial membranes and testing pharmacological interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce brain injury and disability in newborns affected by hypoxia-ischemia.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on mitochondrial dysfunction in adults, this specific approach focusing on neonates is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ten, Vadim S — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Ten, Vadim S
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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.