Mitochondria and metabolism after burn injury
The Role of the Mitochondrion in the Metabolic Stress Response to Burn Trauma
Researchers are exploring how tiny energy centers in cells called mitochondria change metabolism after severe burns to help people recover faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arkansas Children's Hospital Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11376347 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This program uses new rodent models to trace how fat and muscle tissues are broken down, redistributed, and burned for energy after a burn injury. Scientists will label adipose and skeletal muscle to follow specific molecules and measure mitochondrial bioenergetics, reactive oxygen production, and mitochondrial DNA release. The work aims to link these mitochondrial changes to hypermetabolism, insulin resistance, altered lipid handling, and muscle wasting that patients often face after burns. Findings could point to cellular processes to target with future therapies to reduce complications and speed recovery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have experienced moderate to severe burn injuries and are in recovery or follow-up care would be most relevant for related future clinical studies.
Not a fit: Those with only minor burns or with health issues unrelated to burn-induced metabolic changes are unlikely to see direct benefits from this laboratory-focused work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new ways to lessen prolonged metabolic problems, muscle loss, and slow recovery after serious burns.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has suggested mitochondria contribute to burn hypermetabolism, but the use of isotopically labeled tissues and detailed turnover tracing in these new models is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Little Rock, United States
- Arkansas Children's Hospital Res Inst — Little Rock, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Porter, Craig — Arkansas Children's Hospital Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Porter, Craig
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 below.