Wednesday, February 18, 2026 2/18/2026

Mitochondrial resilience mechanisms of extremophile brine shrimp Artemia

Award Number: R21NS137275
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/01/2024
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2026

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Mitochondrial resilience mechanisms of extremophile brine shrimp Artemia - Project Summary/Abstract Mitochondrial dysfunction is the main mechanism contributing to cell death and tissue damage in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R). Calcium-induced mitochondrial swelling, uncoupling of respiration, and cell death occur in mammals under hypoxic conditions of I/R. These changes are due to the activation of the mitochondrial megachannel also known as the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). Remarkably, the embryos of the mysterious organism, brine shrimp Artemia franciscana, tolerate anoxic conditions for several years and were reported to lack hypoxia and Ca2+-activated mPTP opening. mPTP was at the center of scientific research for several decades and it still remains one of the most mysterious phenomena in biology today due to the lack of information about its exact molecular composition, structure, and regulatory mechanisms. Recently, mammalian ATP synthase was shown to undergo calcium-induced conformational changes to form an uncoupling channel with the biophysical properties of mPTP. In this proposal, we will use single-particle cryo- electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to identify the high-resolution structure and activation/inactivation mechanisms of Artemia franciscana ATP synthase. These studies will reveal the distinct structural features of Artemia ATP synthase that prevent the Ca2+ and hypoxia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death in this organism. Successful completion of this proposal will help to unlock the development of specific and potent therapeutic compounds targeting mammalian ATP synthase leak channel for treating I/R injury and other mPTP-related diseases.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $209,250 )
2025	2025	PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY	500 UNIVERSITY DRIVE	HERSHEY	PA	17033	DAUPHIN	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	2	4/1/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$209,250
														Subtotal = $209,250

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $251,100 )
2024	2024	PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY	500 UNIVERSITY DRIVE	HERSHEY	PA	17033	DAUPHIN	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	1	3/11/2024	NEW	$251,100
														Subtotal = $251,100

Grand Total All Awards = $460,350

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Mitochondrial resilience mechanisms of extremophile brine shrimp Artemia

Award Number: R21NS137275

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/01/2024

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2026

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer