# Regulation and function of mitochondrial motility in neurons in vivo

> **NIH NIH F31** · COLUMBIA UNIV NEW YORK MORNINGSIDE · 2022 · $45,901

## Abstract

Project Summary
Mitochondria are dynamic organelles which support the metabolic needs of neurons across their entire
lifetime. Previous research has sought to define the regulation of mitochondrial transport as dependent on the
activity of the neuron, including changes in energy demand. However, previous studies and unpublished data
from the Barnhart lab show mitochondrial motility is not dependent on neuronal activity. Given defects in
mitochondrial transport have been implicated with neurodegeneration, the goal of this research is to elucidate
the fundamental role of mitochondrial transport in maintaining healthy and functional neurons. I propose to
define both in vivo mitochondrial localization across the neuron and contributions of mitochondrial motility in
the function of the mitochondria in neurons. To define mitochondrial transport and function in vivo, I will use
the Drosophila melanogaster visual system with live cell imaging using genetically encoded reporters of
mitochondrial health and neuronal function. In Aim 1, I will use confocal microscopy, immunostaining and
EM reconstructions to define the relationship between mitochondrial motility, mitochondrial distribution
patterns and neuronal architecture. This aim will evaluate the relationship between neuronal structure and
overall mitochondrial localization. In Aim 2, I will use mitochondrial perturbations to assess how
mitochondrial motility affects mitochondrial health and neuronal function in vivo. These studies will define the
regulation and functional relevance of mitochondrial motility in neurons, which paves the way towards future
studies on the role of mitochondrial transport defects in disease, including in neurodegeneration.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10536402
- **Project number:** 1F31NS129199-01
- **Recipient organization:** COLUMBIA UNIV NEW YORK MORNINGSIDE
- **Principal Investigator:** Eavan Jane Donovan
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $45,901
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-07-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10536402

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10536402, Regulation and function of mitochondrial motility in neurons in vivo (1F31NS129199-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10536402. Licensed CC0.

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