Mitochondrial metabolism in brain-inhibitory neurons in kids
Official title: Mitochondrial Metabolic Regulation of GABAergic Interneurons
Funded at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NIH-11364153 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at understanding how mitochondria in brain inhibitory neurons affect a child’s brain function and potentially guide new treatments for mitochondrial-related pediatric conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $225,180 |
| NIH project number | 5K08NS135186-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11364153 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with primary mitochondrial diseases or related neurological symptoms could benefit from future therapies informed by these results.
✕Less likely to help
Children without mitochondrial brain involvement or those not eligible for future trials may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant explores how mitochondrial energy and metabolism in GABAergic interneurons influence brain health in children with mitochondrial diseases. Researchers will study these neurons in lab-grown human cells and in mice to see how mitochondrial problems impact neuron survival and GABA chemistry. The work combines an in vitro model using patient-derived cells and an in vivo mouse model to observe effects over time. The goal is to identify mitochondrial pathways in specific brain cells that could be targeted to help kids with mitochondrial disorders feel better and have fewer neurological symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could point to new approaches to support brain function in children with mitochondrial diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work suggests interneuron mitochondria influence neuronal function, with prior studies indicating mitochondrial metabolism is important in these cells.
Where this research is happening
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Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mithal, Divakar Singh — Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Mithal, Divakar Singh
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.