Understanding How Mitochondria Protect Themselves from Stress
Investigating the Mitochondrial-Derived Compartment Pathway
This research explores how tiny powerhouses in our cells, called mitochondria, protect themselves from too many amino acids, which are building blocks of protein, to help prevent age-related and metabolic diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11121776 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Mitochondria are vital for our cells' energy and overall health, but they can be harmed by changes in nutrient levels, like too many amino acids. Our team found that high amino acid levels can damage mitochondria and contribute to age-related decline. We are looking into how these high amino acid levels hurt mitochondria and how a newly discovered cell structure, called the Mitochondrial-Derived Compartment (MDC), helps protect cells. This work aims to uncover the pathways that shield mitochondria from stress, potentially leading to new ways to keep them healthy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients, but future studies building on this work might seek individuals with age-related or metabolic disorders involving mitochondrial health.
Not a fit: Patients without conditions related to mitochondrial dysfunction or metabolic overload are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for protecting mitochondria and preventing or treating age-related and metabolic disorders linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds on the lab's prior discovery of the Mitochondrial-Derived Compartment (MDC), indicating a novel and promising direction for understanding cellular protection.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hughes, Adam — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Hughes, Adam
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.