Mitochondrial fat changes that may drive inflammation with aging
Pathological cardiolipin remodeling links mitochondrial dysfunction to inflammaging
['FUNDING_R03'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER · NIH-11231266
This project explores whether changes in a mitochondrial fat called cardiolipin, driven by the enzyme ALCAT1, cause mitochondrial DNA to leak and trigger chronic inflammation that can worsen Alzheimer's and other age-related diseases.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R03'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11231266 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team is focusing on a mitochondrial lipid called cardiolipin and an enzyme named ALCAT1 that can alter mitochondrial stability. They will use lab-grown cells and mouse models to measure cardiolipin composition, oxidative damage, mitochondrial DNA release, and markers of inflammation. The researchers will test whether blocking ALCAT1 prevents cardiolipin damage and reduces mtDNA-driven inflammation. Results could point toward drug targets to lower chronic inflammation linked to Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and other age-related conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with age-related conditions—particularly those with early Alzheimer’s disease or type 2 diabetes—would be the most relevant group for future clinical follow-up or trials based on this work.
Not a fit: People without age-related conditions or those seeking immediate changes in their clinical care are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to reduce age-related mitochondrial damage and chronic inflammation, potentially slowing progression of Alzheimer’s disease and complications of diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies showed that removing ALCAT1 protected mice from several age-related problems, but direct benefits in humans have not yet been demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER — SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHANG, JUN — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER
- Study coordinator: ZHANG, JUN
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.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus, Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease