Brain mitochondrial communications – Luana Naia's research group

Our research explores how mitochondria shape cellular communication, metabolism, and vulnerability in the brain, using Alzheimer’s disease models to investigate these processes. We combine human hippocampal organoids and App knock-in mouse models with molecular, high-resolution imaging, and metabolic approaches to understand how mitochondrial signals and interactions influence brain function and neurodegeneration. Our work focuses on three interconnected areas.

Mitochondrial signaling through mitovesicles

We investigate how mitovesicles—extracellular vesicles carrying mitochondrial components—mediate communication between brain cells, including their role in the astrocyte–neuron metabolic cooperation. Using App knock-in models, we explore how mitovesicle content and function change with aging and Alzheimer’s disease progression. We also examine whether their cargo can provide a window into the brain, revealing changes in mitochondrial health and cellular metabolism as pathology develops. 

Brain mitotypes in human 3D models

We combine high-resolution live imaging, mitochondrial reporters and deep learning models to identify distinct mitochondrial functional states, or “mitotypes,” in human hippocampal organoids. We aim to define how mitotypes relate to cellular identity and vulnerability in Alzheimer’s disease. 

The mitochondria–lipid droplet axis in neurodegeneration

We study how mitochondria and lipid droplets interact to coordinate lipid metabolism, energy production and cellular responses to stress. Using human iPSC-derived neurons and App knock-in models, we investigate how disruption of this relationship may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and whether restoring it could support metabolic resilience.

Research support

• Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet Starting Grant 2023-2028)
• StratNeuro Starting Grant (2024-2026) 
• Swedish Brain Foundation (Hjärnfonden; 2026)
• Alzheimerfonden (2021-2023, 2025, 2026)
• Private initiative "Innovative ways to fight Alzheimer´s disease” supported by Leif Lundblad Family and others (2024-2026)
• KID-funding, block grant for doctoral education (2022-2026)
• Olle Engkvists Stiftelse (2025-2027)
• Gun och Bertil Stohnes Stiftelse (2029-2026)
• Stiftelsen för Gamla Tjänarinnor (2029-2026)
• Foundation for Geriatric Diseases at KI (2025-2026)