Mitochondrial Calcium Sensing in Aging and Memory with TUSC2
Official title: Mitochondrial Calcium Sensing via TUSC2 in Aging and Cognitive Function
Funded at Meharry Medical College · NIH-11454540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small mitochondrial protein called TUSC2 may help protect brain cells from aging-related cognitive decline by keeping mitochondria functioning properly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Meharry Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $218,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG098412-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11454540 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with aging-related cognitive concerns or biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction, who could participate in future translational efforts or biomarker studies.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals without cognitive concerns may not directly benefit from this specific study.
What this research studies
This project tests how TUSC2 interacts with parts of the mitochondrial machinery to prevent over-destabilization of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, which can damage brain cells as we age. Researchers will use AI-driven 3D modeling along with lab-based neuronal cell lines and a mouse model to explore how TUSC2 controls calcium signals and mitochondrial health. The study aims to connect calcium regulation to changes in brain aging and memory, potentially revealing new targets for therapies. Overall, the work combines advanced computer modeling with genetic and animal studies to understand a key mechanism of cognitive aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could identify new targets to maintain mitochondrial health and slow cognitive aging.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work in mitochondria and calcium signaling supports the relevance of this pathway for brain aging, but the exact TUSC2-OSCP interaction in the brain is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Meharry Medical College
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ivanova, Alla V — Meharry Medical College
- Study coordinator: Ivanova, Alla V
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Canagliflozin to protect the aging brain and improve cognition in Alzheimer’s disease
Aging is linked to Alzheimer’s and this project tests whether the diabetes drug canagliflozin can help brain function and reduce inflammation in older adults with or at risk for Alzheimer’s/dementia.
-
Childhood Trauma and Aging: How Early Stress Shapes Midlife Health
This project looks at how childhood abuse and stress may speed up aging in the body and affect thinking skills by midlife, using data from a large national study.
-
SARS-CoV-2, APOE, and dementia: how COVID-19 affects thinking in aging and Alzheimer’s
This NIH grant explores how COVID-19 may impact brain function and pathology in people with aging or Alzheimer's disease, including how APOE genes might influence the effects.
-
Understanding COVID-19's Effects on Brain Health in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease
This project looks at how COVID-19 affects thinking and brain health over time, especially in older adults and those with a gene linked to Alzheimer's.
-
The effects of exercise on cognitive function and aging in older adults
This study is looking at how exercise can help older adults, especially those 65 and up, stay sharp mentally and age better, while also exploring how things like social factors and personal fitness responses play a role in brain health.
-
Understanding how aging and lifestyle affect cognitive function
This study looks at how aging and lifestyle choices, like what we eat and how we live, affect brain health in older adults, with the goal of finding ways to help seniors stay sharp and enjoy a better quality of life.
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.