Mitochondria–lysosome stress in aging and Alzheimer’s disease
Official title: A novel mitochondria-to-lysosome stress signaling pathway in degenerative disease and aging
Funded at Upstate Medical University · NIH-11324248 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how stress signals between mitochondria and lysosomes harm brain cells in Alzheimer's and other age-related diseases to guide future treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Upstate Medical University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $407,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082803-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11324248 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with Alzheimer's disease or other age-related neurodegenerative conditions, or those willing to provide biological samples, would be most relevant for future participation or follow-up studies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without neurodegenerative disease or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct, short-term benefit from this basic laboratory research.
What this research studies
This work brings together two labs to study how damaged mitochondria send stress signals that overwhelm the cell's waste system (lysosomes) and lead to cell decline. Scientists will use cell models, yeast, and other laboratory systems to track a process called mitochondrial precursor overaccumulation stress (mPOS) and its effects on lysosomal function. The team will map the molecular steps of this mitochondria-to-lysosome signaling pathway to identify points that could be targeted by future therapies. Findings aim to explain why neurons fail in Alzheimer’s and related disorders and to point toward ways to protect brain cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for drugs that slow or prevent cell damage in Alzheimer’s and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Prior laboratory studies have linked mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction and described mPOS, but this specific mitochondria-to-lysosome signaling pathway and its role in human neurodegeneration are largely novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Xin Jie — Upstate Medical University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Xin Jie
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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.