# Investigating the molecular mechanism and function of mitochondrial tethering

> **NIH NIH R01** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2023 · $321,370

## Abstract

Project Summary
We are interested in the dynamic interplay between the intracellular distribution of mitochondria and cellular
function. Mitochondria are important not only for cellular energy production but also play critical roles in cell cycle
progression, differentiation, immune responses, lipid and calcium homeostasis, and apoptotic cell death. These
diverse roles are intimately connected to mitochondrial shape and cellular position. Thus, it is not surprising
aberrant mitochondrial architecture has been implicated in an ever-increasing number of diseases. It is well
appreciated that mitochondrial division, fusion, and motility all contribute to the overall distribution of mitochondria
within a cell. However, the critical contributions of actively tethering the organelle to specific cellular sites and
structures, including other organelles, are becoming increasingly evident. While tethering plays a critical role in
mitochondrial positioning, interorganelle contact, and, consequently, cellular function in cells from yeast to
neurons, the molecular mechanisms and regulation are poorly understood. In the aims of this grant, we will
address this deficit by using a mitochondria-ER-cortex tether in yeast as a model to understand the mechanism
and regulation of mitochondrial tethers and the multifunctional mitochondrial membrane contact sites they create.
The proposed work will address the exciting and unexpected impacts mitochondrial tethers have on cellular
organization and function. The goals are to uncover fundamental mechanisms used by mitochondrial tethers to
position mitochondria and form interorganelle contacts and elucidate the functional and physiological
consequences of these activities. In doing so, this work will provide insight into novel therapeutic strategies for
a range of human disease conditions in which the manipulation of the position and the contacts made by
mitochondria can be used to positively influence cellular health and homeostasis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10579930
- **Project number:** 5R01GM120303-07
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Laura L Lackner
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $321,370
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-04-01 → 2026-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10579930

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10579930, Investigating the molecular mechanism and function of mitochondrial tethering (5R01GM120303-07). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10579930. Licensed CC0.

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