Using low oxygen therapy to improve mitochondrial function
Official title: A Translatable Form of Hypoxia Therapy for Impaired Mitochondrial Proteostasis
Funded at J. David Gladstone Institutes · NIH-11170840 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breathing in low oxygen, like what you’d experience at high altitudes, might help people with mitochondrial diseases that make it hard for their cells to produce energy, and they’re testing this with healthy volunteers to see how it could work for those with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | J. David Gladstone Institutes NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 26, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $472,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG088161-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170840 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with mitochondrial diseases or conditions related to mitochondrial dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-mitochondrial related disorders or those who do not have any mitochondrial dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how controlled breathing of low oxygen, mimicking high-altitude conditions, can help treat mitochondrial diseases that affect energy production in cells. The study builds on previous findings that this therapy can prevent neurological damage and improve health outcomes in animal models. By conducting a clinical trial with healthy volunteers, the researchers aim to understand how this therapy can be applied to various mitochondrial disorders and explore the underlying biological mechanisms involved.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients with mitochondrial diseases, potentially improving their quality of life and health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with hypoxia therapy in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
-
J. David Gladstone Institutes
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jain, Isha Himani — J. David Gladstone Institutes
- Study coordinator: Jain, Isha Himani
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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.