Creating a new tool to study how neurotransmitters are released at nerve junctions
Official title: Development of a novel optical probe to study functional heterogeneity of individual neurotransmitter release sites at the neuromuscular junction
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11051107 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a chemical called acetylcholine is released in the part of your body where nerves connect to muscles, which is important for movement, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding more about muscle-related conditions and how they might be improved.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | March 7, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $198,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS131752-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051107 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are affected by neuromuscular disorders, particularly those related to acetylcholine signaling.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neuromuscular junction function or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how neurotransmitters, specifically acetylcholine, are released at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), which is crucial for muscle movement. The researchers aim to develop a novel optical probe that can visualize and quantify the release of neurotransmitters at individual sites within the NMJ. By examining both healthy and diseased conditions, this study seeks to uncover variations in neurotransmitter release across different active zones. This could lead to a better understanding of neuromuscular diseases and how they affect muscle function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for neuromuscular diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by providing insights into neurotransmitter release mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using optical probes is innovative, similar methodologies have shown promise in other areas of neuroscience, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Badawi, Yomna — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Badawi, Yomna
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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.