NCN OPUS grant for research on synaptic mitochondria in autism spectrum disorder

06 07 2026

Prof. Magdalena Dziembowska, from the Institute of Experimental Zoology, Faculty of Biology UW, has received PLN 3,869,400 in funding from the National Science Centre under the OPUS 30 call for the project entitled “Synaptic mitochondria as a key to understand autism-associated neurodevelopmental disorders: molecular mechanisms regulating their dynamics and function”.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related neurodevelopmental disorders are frequently associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, yet it remains unresolved whether mitochondrial abnormalities represent a global cellular deficit or a synapse-compartment-specific vulnerability that directly shapes neurotransmission and circuit development.

The overarching objective of this project is to determine how autism-associated mutations in TRAP1mut (Trap1Q641*/Q641*) and Fmr1 KO mice remodel presynaptic mitochondria at the levels of respiratory chain organisation, protein homeostasis, mitochondrial dynamics and turnover, ultrastructure, and calcium buffering, and to establish causal links between these mitochondrial phenotypes and changes in presynaptic function, also in a sex-dependent manner.

Through the investigation of the clinically relevant, newly established Trap1Q641*/Q641* mouse model of ASD, the project will significantly enhance our understanding of the sex-dependent mechanisms underlying autism spectrum disorder, a phenomenon that remains poorly understood.

By elucidating how ASD-associated mutations affect presynaptic mitochondrial morphology and function, and how these changes influence synaptic activity differently in males and females, the research will provide important insights into the sex-dependent phenotypic variability of monogenic autism.

Warm congratulations on receiving the grant, and we wish every success in carrying out the project!

Details of the National Science Centre funding calls are available at:
https://www.ncn.gov.pl/aktualnosci/2026-06-11-wyniki-opus30-sonata21