Understanding how our cells manage energy
Deciphering the mitochondrial proton leak
This research aims to better understand how our cells' powerhouses, called mitochondria, use energy, which is important for many health conditions like cancer and aging.
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 ID | NIH-11143780 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells' mitochondria create energy, but some of this energy is lost through a process called 'proton leak.' Current ways to measure this energy loss might not be completely accurate because they can't tell the difference between true proton leak and another process called 'proton slip.' This project introduces a new, more precise method to measure proton leak directly, using special pH-sensitive indicators in cells. By making cells temporarily inactive, this new approach helps researchers separate the physical properties of the mitochondrial membrane from its energy-producing activities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but could eventually inform future studies for individuals with conditions like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, or those interested in aging research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments or direct participation in a clinical trial would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a more accurate understanding of cellular energy use, potentially opening new avenues for treatments related to cancer, aging, and metabolic disorders.
How similar studies have performed: This project addresses a known knowledge gap by establishing a novel, direct method for measuring mitochondrial proton leak, which is a new approach compared to traditional methods.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Temple Univ of the Commonwealth — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Huiliang — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Huiliang
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.