Removing harmful mutations from cellular DNA to improve health.
Official title: Triggering the Selective Removal of Deleterious mtDNA Mutations from Mammalian Cells
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10826583 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring ways to get rid of harmful changes in the DNA found in our cells' energy factories, which can cause age-related diseases like Alzheimer's, with the hope of creating better treatments for patients dealing with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AG084238-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10826583 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's, or children with mitochondrial disorders characterized by neurological dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-genetic forms of dementia or those without mitochondrial mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to eliminate harmful mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that can lead to age-related diseases, including Alzheimer's and other conditions. By using advanced genetic techniques, the researchers aim to develop methods to selectively remove these mutations from mammalian cells. The approach involves creating specialized cell lines that can be manipulated to control the mutation rate of mtDNA, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating diseases caused by these mutations. Patients may benefit from improved therapies targeting age-related and pediatric diseases linked to mtDNA mutations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve the health and quality of life for patients with age-related diseases and mitochondrial disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting mtDNA mutations is innovative, similar genetic techniques have shown promise in other areas of research, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shemtov, Sarah Jean — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Shemtov, Sarah Jean
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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.