Investigating how organelle communication affects cellular stress and disease.
Official title: VPS13D, organelle contact, and cellular stress in models of disease
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10902012 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two important parts of our cells, the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, communicate and what happens when they don't work well, especially in relation to a protein called VPS13D, to help us understand its role in aging and movement disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $418,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082740-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10902012 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and young adults with movement disorders such as spastic ataxia or paraplegia, particularly those with VPS13D mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without movement disorders or those not affected by VPS13D mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the communication between cellular organelles, specifically the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and how their dysfunction can lead to increased cellular stress and inflammation. By studying a protein called VPS13D, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of these organelles, the research aims to understand its impact on diseases associated with aging and movement disorders. The approach includes using patient-derived cells and a specially developed mouse model to explore the effects of VPS13D mutations on cellular function and stress responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and potential treatments for age-related and progressive movement disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding organelle communication and its implications for cellular health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baehrecke, Eric H — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Baehrecke, Eric H
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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.