Developing a new bioluminescent system for tracking brain activity
Official title: An Orthogonal Bioluminescent Platform For Multiplexed Imaging And Control
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10992538 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new glowing tools that help scientists see and control brain activity in real-time, which could be really helpful for understanding and treating conditions like Alzheimer's and ALS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $228,427 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY036659-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992538 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or ALS, as well as those involved in related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neurodegenerative diseases or those not participating in the research will not benefit from this work.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating advanced bioluminescent tools that can help scientists observe and control brain activity in real-time. By engineering new luciferases that work with unique substrates, the project aims to improve the ability to track and manipulate cells in living animal models, particularly those affected by neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS. The approach involves using naturally occurring compounds to enhance the brightness and effectiveness of these bioluminescent systems, allowing for more detailed studies of brain dynamics and cellular interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for neurodegenerative diseases, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using bioluminescence for studying brain activity, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shaner, Nathan Christopher — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Shaner, Nathan Christopher
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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.