Investigating how ZFAND6 affects the removal of damaged mitochondria and inflammation
Official title: ZFAND6 regulation of mitophagy and inflammation
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-11131704 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called ZFAND6 to see how it helps cells clean up damaged parts, which could lead to better ways to manage inflammation and age-related diseases that affect the brain, and it might help people understand how to treat these conditions better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $707,534 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI185618-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131704 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include older adults experiencing chronic inflammatory conditions or neurodegenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute inflammatory conditions unrelated to aging or mitochondrial dysfunction may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the ZFAND6 protein in regulating mitophagy, which is the process by which cells remove damaged mitochondria. By studying how ZFAND6 influences the cGAS-STING pathway, which is involved in inflammation, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that prevent chronic inflammation associated with aging and neurodegenerative diseases. The approach includes using genetically modified mice to observe the effects of ZFAND6 deficiency on immune responses and inflammation. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how to better manage or treat conditions linked to chronic inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating chronic inflammation and related diseases in aging populations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of mitophagy in inflammation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harhaj, Edward W — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Harhaj, Edward W
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.