Understanding how calcium signals affect brain cell health
Official title: Mitochondrial Calcium and Neuronal Health
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11141022 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how calcium signals affect brain cell health, especially in people with a protein deficiency called MICU1, to find out how problems with calcium can lead to brain disorders and help protect brain cells during stressful situations like strokes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $623,535 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS132056-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11141022 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with progressive neurological disorders linked to MICU1 deficiencies or those who have experienced acute brain injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological conditions unrelated to calcium signaling or those without identifiable mitochondrial dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of calcium signals in the health of neurons, particularly focusing on a protein called MICU1 that helps regulate calcium uptake in mitochondria. By studying patients with MICU1 deficiencies and using mouse models, the research aims to uncover how disruptions in calcium signaling can lead to neurological disorders. The team will explore how these mechanisms operate during conditions like hypoxia or stroke, which can cause brain injury. Ultimately, the goal is to better understand how to protect neurons from stress and improve brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for neurological disorders caused by calcium signaling disruptions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding calcium signaling in neurons, but this specific approach focusing on MICU proteins is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hajnoczky, Gyorgy — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Hajnoczky, Gyorgy
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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.