Understanding how cells recycle mitochondria with their own DNA
Official title: Understanding the regulation and function of autophagy of mitochondria containing mtDNA
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11467359 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how cells quietly remove mitochondria that contain their own DNA, a process that could influence cancer biology and cell health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $392,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM167167-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11467359 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients whose cancers exhibit alterations in mitochondrial biology or autophagy pathways and could potentially benefit from therapies targeting mitochondrial turnover.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cancers or those whose tumors do not involve the studied autophagy pathways may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at a specialized form of autophagy that targets mitochondria with mtDNA, aiming to understand when and why it happens and how it differs from regular mitophagy. By examining the cellular signals and regulatory pathways, researchers hope to map how AuMiD choices affect cell metabolism and stress responses in cancer-related contexts. The work combines cell biology methods with molecular analyses to describe how mtDNA-containing mitochondria are recognized and degraded. Results could reveal new angles on how cancer cells manage their energy and survive stress. The findings may guide future therapies that modulate mitochondrial quality control in tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify new targets to influence cancer cell survival and inflammation through mitochondrial quality control.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown autophagy-related processes influence cell survival, with some approaches translating to cancer models, but AuMiD is a newer concept with limited clinical translation so far.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldsmith, Juliet — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Goldsmith, Juliet
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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.