Creating sensors to measure brain chemical signals from astrocytes
Official title: Developing Electrochemical Sensors to Enable Quantitative Measure of Gliotransmitter Release from Astrocytes
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-11092174 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new sensors that can quickly measure how brain cells called astrocytes send chemical signals, helping us understand how these signals change with age or after brain injuries, which could lead to better treatments for conditions like neurodegenerative diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $374,777 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS134365-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092174 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurodegenerative diseases or conditions affecting brain function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute brain injuries or those not experiencing any neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced electrochemical sensors that can quickly and accurately measure the release of chemical messengers from astrocytes, which are crucial cells in the brain. By applying these sensors, the research aims to explore how astrocytes communicate differently across various brain regions and how this communication may change with age or in response to brain injuries. The study seeks to fill a significant knowledge gap regarding the diverse functions of astrocytes and their role in brain health and disease. Patients may benefit from insights gained about astrocyte behavior in conditions like neurodegenerative diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for brain disorders linked to astrocyte dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in studying astrocyte functions, but the specific approach of using electrochemical sensors for real-time measurement is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: White, Ryan J. — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: White, Ryan J.
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.