# Targeting mitostasis via activation of mitochondrial biogenesis after TBI

> **NIH VA I01** · VA MEDICAL CENTER - LEXINGTON, KY · 2022 · —

## Abstract

Experience in contemporary military operations suggests that traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the signature injury
of modern wars making our troops a high-risk population for TBI. Among the 327,388 OEF/OIF veterans using
VA services in 2009, 6.7% were diagnosed with TBI of which 73% of those were diagnosed with posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD). However, to date there is no approved treatment for TBI, in part due to an incomplete
understanding of the pathobiology underlying TBI. Compelling experimental data demonstrate that mitochondrial
dysfunction is a pivotal link in the neuropathological sequelae of brain injury. This premise comes from our
published work (and that of others) demonstrating that loss of mitochondrial homeostasis and increased
mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production occurs following TBI. Protecting or restoring
mitochondrial function by therapeutically targeting mitochondrial impairment improves neuronal function after
TBI. Here, we propose a novel approach of activating mitochondrial biogenesis (MB), a necessary process in
mitochondrial dynamics, after TBI using pharmacological intervention. Through MB, dysfunctional mitochondria
are replaced via signaling networks involving peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-
alpha (PGC-1α) as a master regulator. Activation of MB can be an important intervention to modulate
mitochondrial dynamics and prevent metabolic disruption after TBI. Recently, two drugs formoterol and
lasmiditan have been screened by us and our collaborators and found to induce PGC-1α via activation of two
independent receptors, β2-adrenoreceptor (β2AR) and 5-hydroxytryptamine1F (5-HT1F) respectively. We
hypothesize that MB activation at the optimized drug dosage will improve mitochondrial function,
mitigate pathology and restore cognitive function following TBI. To test this hypothesis, in Specific Aim
1, we will examine the temporal and spatial aspects of MB after TBI in the injured cortex and hippocampus by
analyzing molecular markers of MB. We will also refine and establish the dose-response and therapeutic
window of intervention for formoterol and lasmiditan treatment to optimize MB after TBI. In this Aim, we will also
test the hypothesis that treatment with MB activators promotes cognitive recovery following TBI at the optimal
therapeutic regime. In Specific Aim 2, we will assess cell- and tissue-specific changes in energy homeostasis
following TBI and MB activation therapy using bioenergetic and metabolomic approaches and a novel
approach to isolate synaptic mitochondria. We will also examine the underlying metabolic mechanisms of TBI
and MB activation using in vivo and ex vivo 13C-labeled tracing followed by advanced stable isotope-resolved
metabolomic analysis. Lastly, in Specific Aim 3 we will assess the specificity of MB activators on induction of
MB after TBI. Using 5-HT1F/β2AR KO mice, we hypothesize that functional benefit is dependent on the
specific receptor s...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10486302
- **Project number:** 2I01BX003405-05A1
- **Recipient organization:** VA MEDICAL CENTER - LEXINGTON, KY
- **Principal Investigator:** Patrick G Sullivan
- **Activity code:** I01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2017-01-01 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10486302

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10486302, Targeting mitostasis via activation of mitochondrial biogenesis after TBI (2I01BX003405-05A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10486302. Licensed CC0.

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