Mitochondrial Energy Use and Body Health
Mitochondrial membrane lipids and respiratory efficiency
This project explores how fats within our cells' powerhouses affect how efficiently our bodies use energy, especially in relation to exercise.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11084429 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies constantly turn food into energy, but this process isn't always perfectly efficient. This project looks at tiny structures within our cells, called mitochondria, which are like our body's power plants. Specifically, we are focusing on a type of fat called cardiolipin, found in the inner membrane of mitochondria. We want to understand how cardiolipin helps control how efficiently these power plants make energy, and how exercise might change this process. By combining detailed measurements of mitochondrial function, fat analysis, and overall body metabolism, we hope to learn more about energy use in muscles and the whole body.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future applications could benefit individuals interested in metabolism, exercise, or weight management.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical interventions would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to improve energy efficiency in the body, potentially helping with conditions like obesity or improving athletic performance.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific role of cardiolipin in modulating OXPHOS efficiency in the context of exercise is being explored, the general concept of mitochondrial efficiency and its link to metabolism is well-established.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Funai, Katsuhiko — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Funai, Katsuhiko
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.