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-11162969 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called Msp1 to see how it helps keep our cell's energy factories, called mitochondria, healthy by getting rid of unwanted proteins, which could help us find new ways to treat serious health problems like cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $87,524 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM137904-06S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162969 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with conditions linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, such as certain cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to mitochondrial function or those who do not exhibit symptoms of mitochondrial dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific protein, Msp1, in maintaining the health of mitochondria by removing unwanted proteins from their outer membrane. Mitochondria are crucial for energy production and regulating cell death, and their dysfunction is linked to serious health issues like cancer, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases. The study employs a novel experimental system to explore how Msp1 interacts with other proteins to ensure proper mitochondrial function and proteostasis. By addressing key questions about Msp1's activity, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial function and proteostasis, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
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
- 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.