A new method to capture neuron structures during action potentials
Official title: Electrified cryo-EM: a new tool to capture metastable neuron structures during an action potential
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10910505 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new imaging method that helps scientists see how brain cells work when they send signals, which could lead to better treatments for conditions affecting the brain and nervous system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,417,500 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2NS142715-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910505 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions affecting neuronal function, such as epilepsy or other neurological disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurological conditions or those who do not have any issues related to neuronal activity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a groundbreaking imaging technique called electrified cryo-electron microscopy (eCryo-EM) that can capture the dynamic structures of neurons during action potentials. By applying an electrical stimulus before rapidly freezing biological samples, the researchers hope to preserve the transient states of neurons that are typically lost in traditional imaging methods. This innovative approach could provide critical insights into how neurons communicate and function in real-time, potentially leading to advancements in understanding various neurological conditions. The research will explore the implications of these findings for medical applications such as drug delivery and wound healing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to significant advancements in our understanding of neuronal function and the development of new treatments for neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using electrified cryo-EM is novel, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in advancing our understanding of biological systems.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Yuzhang — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Li, Yuzhang
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.