NAD in nerve cells: keeping mitochondria healthy to fight aging-related brain disease
Official title: NAD subcellular compartmentalization drives resilience to aging-associated neurodegeneration
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11448240 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aerospace approach to protect neurons by boosting mitochondrial NAD to help people at risk of ALS, motor neuron disease, and ataxia—seeking to keep nerve cells alive and connected as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 6, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $3,210,431 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG097611-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11448240 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with or at risk for ALS, motor neuron disease, or ataxia telangiectasia who may benefit from therapies that support mitochondrial NAD balance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without specific neurodegenerative conditions or those not affected by axonal degeneration may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how a key molecule, NAD, is stored in different parts of nerve cells and why keeping mitochondrial NAD high might prevent axons from breaking down in aging-related brain diseases. Researchers will test how boosting mitochondrial NAD affects axon survival in models of neurodegeneration, focusing on enzymes and transporters that control mitochondrial NAD. The work aims to reveal mechanisms by which mitochondrial NAD supports neuron resilience and to identify targets that could be leveraged to slow disease progression. By understanding how NAD compartments influence neuron health, the study could point toward new strategies to preserve motor neurons in conditions like ALS and related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new ways to preserve neuron health and slow degeneration in aging-related neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests mitochondrial NAD dynamics influence neuron survival, supporting the potential effectiveness of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Diantonio, Aaron — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Diantonio, Aaron
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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.