Mitochondria and how cells decide their fate
Official title: The role of mitochondrial regulation in cell lineage specification and function
Funded at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation · NIH-11357586 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how mitochondria influence how cells choose their identity and keep functioning, with potential implications for cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $426,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM147713-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11357586 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cancers or developmental conditions where mitochondrial dysfunction affects cell fate or tumor biology could potentially benefit from future applications of this research.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science project may not directly involve patient participation or immediate clinical benefits for all individuals.
What this research studies
Mitochondria are studied as key players in how stem and progenitor cells decide what type of cell they become and how they work. The project uses high-resolution imaging and other methods to understand how energy production, biosynthesis, and signaling within mitochondria drive cell fate and mature cell function. By mapping these processes, researchers hope to identify new ways to correct abnormal metabolism that contributes to cancer and developmental problems. The work builds on existing findings about mitochondrial roles in lineage decisions and tonic signaling in mature cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to new strategies to normalize cellular metabolism in cancers and improve understanding of developmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests mitochondria influence cell fate and metabolism, with potential for translating to therapies, but much remains to be learned.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Meng — Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Meng
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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.