Repairing and renewing damaged mitochondria
Coordinated Repair and Regeneration of Defective Mitochondria
['FUNDING_R37'] · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · NIH-11327293
This project looks at how a protein called ATFS-1 helps cells rebuild and maintain their mitochondria, which could matter for people with Alzheimer's and other age-related brain diseases.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WORCESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11327293 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, scientists are trying to learn how cells decide how many mitochondria to make and how to fix them when they break down. They focus on a protein called ATFS-1 and the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt), which act in both mitochondria and the cell nucleus to trigger rebuilding. In the lab, researchers will map how mitochondrial DNA is copied and coordinated with cell growth and test how ATFS-1 controls these steps using cellular and model-organism experiments. The goal is better understanding of why mitochondrial function declines with age and how it might be preserved to protect brain cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is basic laboratory research rather than a clinical trial, so there is no patient enrollment now, but people with Alzheimer's or other age-related neurodegenerative conditions would be the most relevant group to benefit from future therapies stemming from this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate treatment or those without age-related mitochondrial dysfunction are unlikely to receive direct or immediate benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to preserve or restore mitochondrial function and slow or prevent damage in Alzheimer's and other age-related diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies in cells and animal models have shown that manipulating ATFS-1/UPRmt can alter mitochondrial function and aging-related outcomes, but translating those findings into proven human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
WORCESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER — WORCESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HAYNES, COLE M — UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- Study coordinator: HAYNES, COLE M
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 below.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome