Exploring how stress responses in Aplysia can inform neuroprotection strategies for stroke.
Official title: NIH Aplysia Renewal Year 29 - 33
Funded at University of Miami Rosenteil School · NIH-11128058 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a sea slug called Aplysia reacts to low oxygen levels and how these reactions might influence memory and stress, with the goal of finding clues that could help treat brain diseases and strokes in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami Rosenteil School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Key Biscayne, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $134,588 |
| NIH project number | 3P40OD010952-29S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128058 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals at risk for stroke or those with neurodegenerative disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neurodegeneration or stroke may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Aplysia, a type of sea slug, responds to low oxygen conditions and how these responses can affect memory and stress resilience. The project focuses on understanding the molecular changes, particularly through DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs, that occur in Aplysia when exposed to hypoxia. By studying these mechanisms, researchers aim to identify potential epigenetic markers that could help in developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and stroke. The findings could provide insights into how stress responses can be inherited across generations in these organisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for neuroprotection in humans, particularly for conditions like stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using Aplysia as a model for understanding neuroprotection and stress responses, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami Rosenteil School
Key Biscayne, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmale, Michael C — University of Miami Rosenteil School
- Study coordinator: Schmale, Michael C
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.