Understanding Mitochondrial DNA Changes in Aging and Disease
Novel biological insights by utilizing mitochondrial genome information from HuBMAP resources
This project looks at how changes in our cells' energy factories, called mitochondria, contribute to aging and diseases like heart problems and nerve disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11098734 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells contain tiny powerhouses called mitochondria, which have their own DNA. As we get older, this mitochondrial DNA can change, and these changes are connected to many health issues, including immune problems, heart disease, and brain disorders. This project aims to create new computer tools to carefully examine mitochondrial DNA information from large collections of human cell data. By doing so, we hope to learn how specific changes in mitochondrial DNA affect how our cells work and contribute to different diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with aging-related conditions such as immune disorders, cardiovascular disease, or neurodegeneration may eventually benefit from the insights gained from this research.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by mitochondrial dysfunction or aging-related diseases may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of how mitochondrial DNA contributes to aging and disease, potentially guiding future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While the link between mitochondrial DNA and disease is known, this project focuses on developing novel tools and comprehensive analysis methods for single-cell data, which is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Children's Hosp of Philadelphia — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pei, Liming — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Pei, Liming
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.