Understanding how calcium controls energy in our cells
Regulation of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter
This research looks at how calcium levels inside our cells' powerhouses, called mitochondria, are controlled, because too much calcium can harm cells in conditions like heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11097270 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells rely on tiny powerhouses called mitochondria to make energy, but too much calcium inside them can cause serious damage, especially in conditions like heart attacks and heart failure. This project aims to understand how a specific gateway, called the mitochondrial calcium uniporter, controls calcium entry into these powerhouses. Currently, there are no effective treatments to prevent this calcium overload. By learning more about how this gateway works and is regulated, we hope to discover new ways to protect cells and prevent damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with conditions where cells are damaged by too much calcium, such as those experiencing heart attacks or living with heart failure, might eventually benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this foundational research, as it focuses on understanding basic biological mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications or strategies to protect cells from damage caused by too much calcium, potentially helping patients with heart conditions and other acute diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in animal models have shown that blocking this calcium gateway can protect against acute disease, suggesting a promising direction for this fundamental research.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chaudhuri, Dipayan — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Chaudhuri, Dipayan
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.