Understanding how aging affects mitochondrial function
Official title: Aging Mitochondrial Interactome
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11054588 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tiny powerhouses in our cells, called mitochondria, change as we age and how these changes might affect our heart and muscles, with the hope of finding new ways to help older adults feel better and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $534,166 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG078279-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054588 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing age-related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under 21 years old or those without age-related mitochondrial dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mitochondria in age-related health issues, focusing on how their function changes as we grow older. By using advanced techniques like quantitative chemical cross-linking with mass spectrometry, the study aims to identify alterations in mitochondrial protein interactions in heart and skeletal muscles. The goal is to understand how these changes contribute to tissue dysfunction and overall decline in quality of life for older adults. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new interventions targeting mitochondrial health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving mitochondrial function and quality of life in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial dysfunction and its implications for aging, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marcinek, David J. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Marcinek, David J.
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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.