Understanding how mitochondria create fatty acids and regulate energy metabolism.
Official title: Regulation of mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis in the control of mitochondrial metabolism.
Funded at Van Andel Research Institute · NIH-11060921 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how our cells make fatty acids in the mitochondria, which are the energy factories of our cells, and it hopes to find out how this process affects our overall health, especially for people dealing with conditions related to fat metabolism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $427,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151245-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060921 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with metabolic disorders or conditions linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to lipid metabolism or mitochondrial function may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique pathway in mitochondria that synthesizes fatty acids from acetyl-CoA, a process that is not fully understood. By exploring how this pathway interacts with key mitochondrial functions like energy production and cellular signaling, the research aims to uncover the biological significance of mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how lipid metabolism is regulated in health and disease, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies. The research employs a combination of molecular biology techniques and cellular models to elucidate these mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for diseases related to lipid metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis is relatively novel, related research on mitochondrial function and lipid metabolism has shown promising results in understanding metabolic diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Van Andel Research Institute
Grand Rapids, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nowinski, Sara Marie — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Nowinski, Sara Marie
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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.