New grant explores hypoxia's potential to treat mitochondrial diseases safely

A new research grant has been awarded to Dr. Elias Adriaenssens at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) in Vienna. The funding, announced by the nonprofit Countdown, supports a project exploring how hypoxia—a controlled reduction in oxygen—could lead to safer treatments for diseases linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. The study aims to unlock the therapeutic potential of oxygen restriction without its risks. The project, titled From Hypoxia to Therapy: Unlocking Mitochondrial Clearance Pathways for Disease Treatment, focuses on a poorly understood quality-control system in cells. This pathway acts as a brake on the cell’s ability to remove and renew damaged mitochondria, which are vital for energy production. When mitochondria fail, they contribute to a range of health issues, from rare genetic disorders to neurodegeneration and age-related decline.

Hypoxia therapy has shown promise in lab settings, as low-oxygen conditions can trigger beneficial changes in mitochondria. However, applying this approach in patients is difficult due to safety concerns and practical limitations. Dr. Adriaenssens’ team aims to isolate the positive effects of hypoxia without exposing patients to low-oxygen environments. The long-term goal is to develop treatments that mimic hypoxia’s protective benefits. If successful, the research could lead to new therapies for conditions where mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role. The grant also honours Gerry King, a Countdown board member living with Parkinson’s disease, a condition often linked to mitochondrial problems.

The findings could pave the way for patient-friendly therapies targeting mitochondrial health. By understanding how cells manage damaged mitochondria, the research may offer solutions for diseases currently lacking effective treatments. The project’s outcomes will depend on uncovering the precise mechanisms behind hypoxia’s cellular effects.