Targeting mitochondrial fission to protect brain connections in Alzheimer’s disease
Official title: Dynamin-Related Protein 1 and Mitochondrial Fission Adapters Regulate Presynaptic Function
Funded at University of Nevada Reno · NIH-11396494 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to protect brain nerve connections by fixing mitochondrial fragmentation linked to Alzheimer’s, with potential to slow disease progression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nevada Reno NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Reno, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $430,103 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS119980-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11396494 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, whose biology could be modeled in preclinical systems or who could participate in future translational studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without neurodegenerative conditions or whose disease biology is not affected by mitochondrial fission may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project focuses on how the proteins that control mitochondria’s shape affect communication between brain cells in Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers will study what happens when certain mitochondrial fission adapters (MFF and FIS1) are reduced or when DRP1 is redirected to the outer mitochondrial membrane, looking at changes in energy use, mitochondria structure, and synaptic signaling. The work uses cellular and animal models to map how these changes impact presynaptic function under stress conditions typical of neurodegenerative disease. By connecting mitochondrial dynamics to neurotransmission, the study aims to identify strategies to preserve brain function as Alzheimer’s progresses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new approaches to maintain brain communication and slow decline in Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have gone: Early research supports a link between mitochondrial dynamics and neuronal health, with ongoing work suggesting potential for targeting fission in neurodegenerative conditions.
Where this research is happening
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University of Nevada Reno
Reno, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Renden, Robert B — University of Nevada Reno
- Study coordinator: Renden, Robert B
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.