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Mitochondrial Interactions with the Plasmamembrane: Genetic Underpinnings and Functional Consequences at Drosophila Nerve Terminals

Award Number: R01NS123377
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: 07/15/2021
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2026

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Mitochondrial Interactions with the Plasmamembrane: Genetic Underpinnings and Functional Consequences at Drosophila Nerve Terminals - ABSTRACT Our overall goal is to elucidate the different mechanisms available to a neuron to control mitochondria at a subcellular level, and the genetic bases of these capabilities. Mitochondria accumulate within nerve terminals where they generate most of the ATP required to package and recycle neurotransmitters and to maintain transmembrane ion-balances. Neural function is reliant on mitochondrial function to sustain neurotransmitter release, and mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases. It is therefore imperative to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms that neurons use to control mitochondria at the sub-cellular level of nerve terminals, and how this might differ between neuron types. Here we present the hypothesis that sites at which mitochondria interact with the plasma membrane (PM) represent a form of mitochondrial utilization that confers advantages in those parts of a neuron with high power demands, such as nerve terminals. We propose to elucidate the functional significance of such interactions, and their genetic underpinnings. To do this we are adopting a structure-function approach, exploiting the small size and genetic tools of Drosophila. In Aim 1 we will use serial block face scanning electron microscopy to determine the neuron types, and subcellular regions served by mitochondrial-PM interactions. In Aim 2 we will use a novel form of super-resolution to investigate the formation and disassembly of these interactions, and the functional consequences for presynaptic physiology and neurotransmission. In Aim 3 we will investigate the role of a select group of genes identified as candidates for a role in mitochondrial-PM interactions. The significance of this proposal lies in its potential to uncover novel neuronal and sub-cellular specific mitochondrial functions, and the genetic bases of these functions, which may throw light on the selective neuronal vulnerability observed in different neurodegenerative diseases and neurological conditions.


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 = $378,512 )
2025	2025	THE ADMINISTRATORS OF TULANE EDUCATIONAL FUND	6823 SAINT CHARLES AVE	NEW ORLEANS	LA	70118	ORLEANS	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	002	5	7/10/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$378,512
2025	2024	THE ADMINISTRATORS OF TULANE EDUCATIONAL FUND	6823 SAINT CHARLES AVE	NEW ORLEANS	LA	70118	ORLEANS	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	001	4	12/3/2024	CHANGE OF GRANTEE / TRAINING INSTITUTION / AWARDING INSTITUTION	$242,863
2025	2023	FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY	777 GLADES RD	BOCA RATON	FL	33431	PALM BEACH	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	3	12/3/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	-$242,863
														Subtotal = $378,512

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $369,287 )
2024	2024	ADMINISTRATORS OF THE TULANE EDUCATIONAL FUND, THE	6823 SAINT CHARLES AVE	NEW ORLEANS	LA	70118	ORLEANS	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	001	4	9/6/2024	CHANGE OF GRANTEE / TRAINING INSTITUTION / AWARDING INSTITUTION	$369,287
2024	2023	FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY	777 GLADES RD	BOCA RATON	FL	33431	PALM BEACH	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	3	9/5/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $369,287

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $370,142 )
2023	2023	FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY	777 GLADES RD	BOCA RATON	FL	33431	PALM BEACH	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	3	7/7/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$370,142
														Subtotal = $370,142

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $370,142 )
2022	2022	FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY	777 GLADES RD	BOCA RATON	FL	33431	PALM BEACH	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	2	7/11/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$370,142
														Subtotal = $370,142

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = $365,192 )
2021	2021	FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY	777 GLADES RD	BOCA RATON	FL	33431	PALM BEACH	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	1	7/2/2021	NEW	$365,192
														Subtotal = $365,192

Grand Total All Awards = $1,853,275

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Mitochondrial Interactions with the Plasmamembrane: Genetic Underpinnings and Functional Consequences at Drosophila Nerve Terminals

Award Number: R01NS123377

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: 07/15/2021

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2026

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