Integrative Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Transport and Positioning 

Request for Applications from Early-Stage-Investigators 

The Pennsylvania Muscle Institute (PMI) invites early-stage-investigators (ESIs) to apply for an Exploratory Pilot Study (EPS) grant to begin May 1, 2021.  The EPS program is a component of our NIGMS-sponsored RM1 grant (GM136511), which is focused on discovering the mechanisms of mitochondrial transport. Our goal is to recruit, engage, and mentor promising early-career scientists that will contribute to our research mission.  Priority will be given to applications that provide novel technological or conceptual innovations that help us achieve our aims.  Two grants (each $125,000/year) will be awarded in 2021, with the possibility of a second year of funding. 

Deadline:  March 1, 2021 

Research Project:  The parent RM1 proposal focuses on defining and characterizing the mechanisms by which mitochondria are transported and positioned in the cell and tissue.  Our goal is to achieve an atomic-to-in vivo level understanding of the mechanisms of mitochondrial transport.  Our collaborative and multi-disciplinary research team includes Drs. Roberto Dominguez, Erika Holzbaur, Thomas Jongens, Melike Lakadamyali, Michael Ostap, Henry Shuman, and Dimitrios Vavylonis.  We are investigating physiologically relevant combinations of molecular motors, filaments, adaptors, membranes, and other cofactors that control mitochondrial movement and polarization.  Biophysical, cellular, imaging, and genetic approaches are being applied to discover the roles of motors, filaments, mechanical forces, and other regulatory elements in controlling mitochondrial positioning. 

Eligibility: Applicants must have completed their terminal research degree or end of post-graduate clinical training within the past 10 years and have not previously competed successfully as PI for a substantial NIH independent research award. 

Application Instructions:  The application format follows the NIH R03 “Small Grants for New Investigators” mechanism described at [https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/r03.htm], with the exception that we request a 1-page Specific Aim page and a maximum of 4 pages for Research Strategy.   

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Email your completed application to: 

Sabrina Benitez, PMI Coordinator 

sabrina.benitez@pennmedicine.upenn.edu 

For questions, please contact Dr. Michael Ostap (ostap@pennmedicine.upenn.edu).