Understanding how phosphatidic acid regulates mitochondrial glutaminase activity

Defining the role of phosphatidic acid as an allosteric regulator of mitochondrial glutaminase

NIH-funded research Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory · NIH-11009960

This study is looking at how a substance called phosphatidic acid helps control an important enzyme that changes glutamine into other compounds, which could help us understand its role in health issues like brain diseases and cancer, so patients can learn more about how these processes affect their conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCold Spring Harbor Laboratory NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cold Spring Harbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11009960 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of phosphatidic acid as an allosteric regulator of mitochondrial glutaminase, an enzyme crucial for converting glutamine into glutamate and ammonium. By exploring the mechanisms that control this enzyme's activity, the research aims to uncover new insights into its regulation in various tissues, including the brain and digestive tract. The study employs biochemical techniques to analyze enzyme activity and its implications for metabolic health and disease. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how dysregulated glutaminase activity contributes to conditions like neurodegeneration and cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with metabolic disorders related to glutamine metabolism or those affected by neurodegenerative diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to glutamine metabolism or those not experiencing metabolic dysregulation may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for conditions associated with glutaminase dysregulation, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting glutaminase for therapeutic purposes, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.

Where this research is happening

Cold Spring Harbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.