Investigating inter-organelle dynamics during aging

The National Institute on Aging awarded Albany Medical College $246,000 on September 1, 2026, under the Aging Research program (CFDA 93.866) to investigate inter-organelle dynamics during aging in eukaryotic cells. The work will characterize spatial contexts of inter-organelle communication using C. elegans as a model system to identify organellar signatures that develop during aging and proteostasis decline, establishing a platform to understand how aging impacts organelle interactions and function. This award is an NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant (R21) under announcement PA-25-304, which does not permit renewal. Performance occurs in Albany, New York through May 31, 2028.

Abstract

Within eukaryotic cells, specialized compartments known as organelles are membrane bound units that allow for distinct biochemical reactions to occur. Although the metabolic function of individual organelles is well established, the cell must coordinate the activity of these organelles to maintain cellular homeostasis. However, their compartmental nature presents a challenge to the cell. Sites of inter-organelle contacts are becoming increasingly recognized for their importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Indeed, organelles do not act as autonomous isolated units but dynamically interact with one another by forming transient contacts. These contact sites form platforms that mediate signaling, the transfer of materials (e.g., CA2+ and phospholipids) and promote organelle morphology changes. As organelle fitness is critical for cellular health, inter-organelle communication is vital for the cell to adapt to intra- and extracellular stresses to maintain cellular homeostasis. While organellular fitness has been shown to decline with age, the role of inter-organelle communication in this decline is not known. Moreover, organelles undergo morphological changes during aging and in age-related diseases, yet the reasons have remained unclear. Here, under the R21 NIH exploratory/developmental research grant program (PA-25-304), we propose to utilize the strengths of c. Elegans, e.g., short lifespan, optical clarity and genetic amenability, to determine the spatial context of inter-organelle communication to identify organellular signatures that develop during aging and proteostasis decline. These studies will establish a platform to understand the impact aging has on organelle interactions and function.