Understanding how mitochondria handle stress
Mitochondrial inorganic polyphosphate in the mammalian stress response.
This research explores how a molecule called polyphosphate helps mitochondria, the energy factories in our cells, cope with stress that happens in many human diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Camden NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Camden, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11117121 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many human diseases involve problems with mitochondria, the tiny powerhouses inside our cells, especially when cells are under stress. However, we don't fully understand why mitochondria fail, which makes it hard to create effective treatments. This project focuses on a molecule called inorganic polyphosphate, which is found in mitochondria and seems to play a key role in how cells manage stress. By learning more about how polyphosphate works in mammalian cells, we hope to uncover new ways to protect mitochondria and improve health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with conditions involving mitochondrial dysfunction or cellular stress could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this foundational understanding.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention would not directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for medicines to protect mitochondria and treat diseases linked to cellular stress.
How similar studies have performed: While polyphosphate's role in stress response is known in simpler organisms like bacteria and yeast, its exact mechanisms and full effects in human-like cells are still largely unknown, making this a novel exploration.
Where this research is happening
Camden, United States
- Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Camden — Camden, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Solesio Torregrosa, Maria de la Encarnacion — Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Camden
- Study coordinator: Solesio Torregrosa, Maria de la Encarnacion
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 below.