Understanding how a mitochondrial protein makes decisions that affect cell health
Official title: Investigating the mechanism of decision-making in the mitochondrial Protease YME1
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11013784 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called YME1 that helps keep our cells healthy by managing how proteins are handled in the mitochondria, which is important for preventing diseases like Alzheimer's, and it aims to learn more about how YME1 makes choices that affect our health as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | January 16, 2024 |
| Project end | January 15, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $35,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS136003-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013784 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with age-related neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer's.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-age-related conditions or those without mitochondrial dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the YME1 protein, an ATP-dependent protease located in the mitochondria, in maintaining cellular health by managing protein quality control. It focuses on how YME1 makes molecular decisions to either degrade or cleave mitochondrial substrates, which is crucial for preventing diseases like Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative disorders. By exploring the mechanisms behind YME1's decision-making, the research aims to uncover new insights into mitochondrial function and its implications for age-related diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial functions and their implications in neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alexandrescu, Lauren — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Alexandrescu, Lauren
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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.