Investigating how nutrient signaling affects mitochondrial function and aging
Official title: Nutrient signaling at ER-Mitochondrial contacts and age-related mitochondrial dysfunction
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11101319 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how what we eat affects the tiny powerhouses in our cells, called mitochondria, especially when we fast and as we get older, to find ways to keep them healthy for people as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $385,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082761-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11101319 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing age-related decline in mitochondrial function or related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute mitochondrial diseases unrelated to aging may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between nutrient signaling and mitochondrial function, particularly at the contact points between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. It aims to understand how fasting influences mitochondrial dynamics and whether these processes change with age. By examining the role of specific proteins and signaling pathways, the study seeks to uncover mechanisms that could lead to improved mitochondrial health in aging individuals. The research will involve both laboratory experiments and analysis of mammalian systems to gather comprehensive data.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving mitochondrial function and reducing age-related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial dynamics and nutrient signaling, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Rajat — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Singh, Rajat
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how genetic changes in blood cells relate to heart disease in people with HIV
A study will look at how age-related blood cell mutations and large chromosomal changes might contribute to heart disease risk in people living with HIV.
-
Systems genetics of vascular smooth muscle phenotypes in heart disease
Aims to understand how genetic differences influence vascular smooth muscle cells to improve prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease.
-
Motivation for Alcohol Use in Humans and How It Can Be Measured
This grant explores how people are motivated to drink alcohol and tests a safe, controlled way to study that motivation to inform better treatments for alcohol use disorder.
-
Overcoming CAR T cell resistance with tumor-targeted IL-12 to boost anti-tumor immunity
Aims to make CAR T cell therapy work better for solid tumors by using tumor-focused IL-12 to boost the body’s attack on cancer.
-
PediCODE: A Biorepository and Consortium for CoDE - Congenital Diarrhea and Enteropathy
A nationwide effort to collect clinical data and patient-derived samples to uncover the genetic causes of congenital diarrhea and enteropathy and to build a resource that helps researchers study these diseases.
-
Mentor Moms+: a community-led plan to cut alcohol use and HIV risk during pregnancy in South Africa
A community-based program adapts a trusted peer-led model to help pregnant and lactating people reduce alcohol use and HIV risk in South Africa.
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.