Understanding how mitochondria affect brain cells that regulate inhibition
Official title: Mitochondrial Metabolic Regulation of GABAergic Interneurons
Funded at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NIH-10985842 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny parts of our cells called mitochondria affect special brain cells that help keep our brain activity balanced, and it aims to find out how problems with these mitochondria might lead to issues in kids with certain brain-related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $225,180 |
| NIH project number | 1K08NS135186-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985842 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have been diagnosed with primary mitochondrial diseases and exhibit neurological symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-mitochondrial related neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mitochondria in GABAergic interneurons, which are crucial for balancing brain activity. By studying both human-derived cells and mice, the researchers aim to understand how mitochondrial dysfunction impacts these neurons' survival and function. The approach includes manipulating mitochondrial activity in lab-grown cells and observing the effects in animal models. This could lead to insights into potential treatments for primary mitochondrial diseases that affect neurological function in children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating neurological symptoms associated with primary mitochondrial diseases in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial function in neurons, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mithal, Divakar Singh — Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Mithal, Divakar Singh
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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.