Guiding facial nerve regeneration using olfactory receptors
Official title: Ectopic Olfactory Receptor Guided Facial Nerve Regeneration
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10575837 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help people heal better after facial nerve injuries, so they can regain normal facial expressions and avoid painful conditions, using special devices to guide the nerve's growth back to the right muscles.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $453,071 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE032493-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10575837 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have suffered facial nerve injuries and experience difficulties with facial expressions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with intact facial nerve function or those whose injuries are too severe for nerve regeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to improve the healing process of the facial nerve after injury, which can lead to difficulties in facial expressions. The approach involves identifying specific proteins that can guide the regrowth of the nerve to its original muscles, preventing painful conditions like synkinesis. By using microdevices to simulate the nerve's branching, the researchers aim to design grafts that will help direct the nerve fibers correctly. This innovative method seeks to restore normal facial movement and improve patients' quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the recovery of facial nerve function, allowing patients to regain normal facial expressions and improve their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using olfactory receptors for nerve regeneration is novel, similar strategies in nerve repair have shown promise in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sakiyama-Elbert, Shelly Elese — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Sakiyama-Elbert, Shelly Elese
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.