Mitochondrial Talks: How Energy Networks Shape Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Official title: Mitonuclear Communication During the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11421488 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), this project explores how tiny cell powerhouses in the gut may go out of balance and contribute to IBD, with the goal of restoring energy and reducing disease symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $594,126 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK120986-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11421488 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease), particularly those with mitochondrial dysfunction signals in gut tissue.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without gut tissue access or those without IBD may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project looks at how mitochondria in the cells lining the intestine become dysfunctional in IBD and whether fixing this dysfunction can improve patient outcomes. It focuses on how mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics, and quality control respond during disease and whether interventions to restore proper function can help. Researchers plan to study molecular pathways that control energy production and antioxidant responses in intestinal cells, including how PGC1α and related processes are regulated in pediatric and adult IBD. The work may identify targets to preserve gut barrier function and reduce inflammation through mitochondrial health. The study uses human tissue and disease-relevant models to connect cellular energy with clinical manifestations of IBD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new strategies that strengthen gut cell energy balance and reduce inflammation for people with IBD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked mitochondrial dysfunction with IBD, and restoring mitochondrial function has shown promise in preclinical models, supporting potential benefit.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mollen, Kevin P — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Mollen, Kevin P
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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.