Glial roles in keeping dendrite endings healthy
Official title: Glial Roles in Preserving Dendrite Integrity
Funded at Rockefeller University · NIH-11447201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how supportive glial cells detect and respond to changes in neuron dendrites to protect and restore their function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rockefeller University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 14, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $630,609 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS146407-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447201 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with nerve injury or neurodegenerative diseases where dendrite integrity is affected may benefit from advances informed by this work.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without conditions affecting dendrite structure or glial function may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers at Rockefeller University study how glia monitor dendrite endings and respond when they are damaged, aiming to map the signals that trigger protective repair. The work uses a model system with C. elegans to uncover conserved mechanisms that also occur in vertebrates, including proteins like DGS-1 and FIG-1 that help glia sense dendrite integrity. By understanding how glia coordinate protective responses, this project could reveal new targets for preserving or restoring neuron function after injury. The findings could inform strategies to maintain healthy neural circuits in human diseases where dendrite structure is compromised.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new ways to support glial protection of dendrites, potentially helping to preserve neuron function after injury or in neurodegenerative conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in model organisms suggests glial sensing of dendrite integrity is conserved, supporting potential relevance to human biology.
Where this research is happening
-
Rockefeller University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shaham, Shai — Rockefeller University
- Study coordinator: Shaham, Shai
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.