NIH-funded research Career grant

Understanding how cells produce energy through mitochondria

Official title: Spatial coordination of cytosolic and mitochondrial translation

Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-10899596 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the processes that make energy in our cells work together, focusing on how certain messages from our genes get to the parts of the cell that produce energy, which could help us understand diseases like Alzheimer's and heart problems better.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAlbert Einstein College of Medicine
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Bronx, United States)
Project startAugust 10, 2023
Project endJuly 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$125,000
NIH project number5K99GM148788-02
Project IDNIH-10899596 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are affected by Alzheimer's disease or related conditions.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-mitochondrial related disorders or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the coordination between cytosolic and mitochondrial translation processes that are essential for energy production in cells. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to explore how specific mRNAs from both the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes interact and localize within mitochondria. This could provide insights into the fundamental mechanisms of ATP synthase assembly, which is crucial for cellular energy metabolism and may have implications for various diseases, including Alzheimer's and heart conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating diseases linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial function and its implications for diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • Albert Einstein College of Medicine
    Bronx, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Li, Weihan — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
  • Study coordinator: Li, Weihan

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.