NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how proteins are removed from the outer mitochondrial membrane

Official title: Mechanistic Investigation of Proteostasis at the Outer Mitochondrial Membrane

Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10914903 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a protein called Msp1 helps keep our cells healthy by removing other proteins from the outer part of mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of our cells, and it’s important for anyone interested in understanding diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$397,500
NIH project number5R35GM137904-06
Project IDNIH-10914903 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, such as certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases, or neurodegenerative disorders.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to mitochondrial function or those who do not exhibit mitochondrial dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which the protein Msp1 extracts other proteins from the outer mitochondrial membrane, which is crucial for maintaining healthy mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are essential for energy production and regulating cell death, and their dysfunction is linked to various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. The study employs a novel experimental system to explore how Msp1 interacts with other proteins and regulates the removal of unwanted proteins from the membrane. By addressing these fundamental questions, the research aims to enhance our understanding of mitochondrial health and disease.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of Msp1 are not extensively studied, related research on mitochondrial function and proteostasis has shown promising results in understanding and treating mitochondrial diseases.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Wohlever, Matthew Lee — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
  • Study coordinator: Wohlever, Matthew Lee

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.