Understanding how calcium transport in mitochondria affects health and disease
Official title: Molecular mechanisms of the mitochondrial calcium transport system
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11040295 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help move calcium in our cells' powerhouses, called mitochondria, and how understanding this could lead to better treatments for conditions like neurodegenerative diseases, heart problems, and cancer, ultimately helping patients improve their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $584,640 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151958-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11040295 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from conditions related to mitochondrial dysfunction, such as neurodegenerative diseases, heart failure, or cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to mitochondrial calcium transport or those not experiencing any of the targeted diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms of calcium transport within mitochondria, focusing on specific proteins that regulate calcium levels. By using advanced biochemical and biophysical techniques, the project aims to uncover how these proteins function and their roles in various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, heart failure, and cancer. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how to manipulate these calcium transport systems to improve health outcomes. The research will also explore how small molecules can influence these processes, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for conditions like heart failure and neurodegenerative diseases by targeting mitochondrial calcium transport.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial calcium transport, but this specific approach is novel and aims to fill critical knowledge gaps.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsai, Ming-Feng — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Tsai, Ming-Feng
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.