Understanding how mitochondria leak protons
Official title: Deciphering the mitochondrial proton leak
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11249083 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how energy production in our cells can be affected by a process called proton leak in mitochondria, which is important for people with conditions like diabetes, cancer, and aging, and it aims to find a better way to measure this process to help us understand it more clearly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $396,250 |
| NIH project number | 7R35GM151226-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11249083 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with metabolic disorders, aging-related conditions, or diseases linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to mitochondrial function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms of proton leak in mitochondria, which are essential for energy production in our cells. By developing a new method to measure proton leak accurately, the study aims to differentiate between proton leak and proton slip, which can affect various health conditions. The approach involves using a pH-sensitive indicator in cells to assess mitochondrial function without the influence of metabolic activity. This could lead to a better understanding of mitochondrial roles in diseases like diabetes, cancer, and aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve our understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction and lead to better treatments for metabolic and age-related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the study of mitochondrial function is well-established, the specific approach of measuring proton leak and slip is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Huiliang — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Huiliang
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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.