# Molecular basis and cellular roles of mitochondria-ER contact sites

> **NIH NIH R37** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · 2020 · $72,966

## Abstract

Abstract of parent grant 5R37GM097432:
Mitochondria perform fundamental functions in eukaryotic cells, including ATP production
via respiration and cellular ion and phospholipid homeostasis. They also serve as
platforms to integrate signaling pathways such as cell death and innate immunity.
Mitochondrial functions are tightly linked to mitochondrial form, established through
separate, but somehow coordinated machines that control dynamics, positioning, motility
and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) transmission. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has
emerged as an integral and pervasive player in the regulation of mitochondrial form and
function. The ER exerts its role through contacts with mitochondria, which we hypothesize
create specialized microdomains, which can recruit and/or modulate effectors that control
and integrate mitochondrial physiology with other organelles and signaling pathways. In
most cases, however, the molecular composition of ER-mitochondria contacts is poorly
defined and their exact mechanisms of action, their functional scope and modes of
communication are poorly understood. In the aims of this grant, we will address these
deficits by exploring the molecular basis and functions of different types of ER-
mitochondria contact sites in yeast and we will extend our findings to mammalian cells
using comparative and forward strategies. New information in this area of cell biology will
provide insight into the general architecture and roles of ER contacts and their regulation of
mitochondrial function and cellular homeostasis to more accurately reveal role of
mitochondria in human diseases that result from mitochondrial and ER dysfunction.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10189369
- **Project number:** 3R37GM097432-10S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- **Principal Investigator:** Jodi M. Nunnari
- **Activity code:** R37 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $72,966
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2011-09-01 → 2021-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10189369

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10189369, Molecular basis and cellular roles of mitochondria-ER contact sites (3R37GM097432-10S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10189369. Licensed CC0.

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