How a worm protein similar to human Neuregulin is made and released
Official title: Exploring the function and shedding of a potential C. elegans Neuregulin
Funded at California State University Northridge · NIH-11330334 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at how a protein in nematode worms that resembles human Neuregulin is produced and released, to better understand cell signaling tied to conditions like cancer and sleep changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State University Northridge NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Northridge, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $147,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16NS134541-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11330334 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People affected by conditions tied to EGF/ErbB signaling (for example some cancers or disorders with altered sleep regulation) may find the findings relevant to future therapies, though this project does not enroll patients.
✕Less likely to help
Patients looking for immediate treatment options or clinical trials will not benefit directly because this is laboratory research in model organisms rather than a human study.
What this research studies
This project uses the tiny roundworm C. elegans as a model to find and study a Neuregulin-like protein and the way its active piece is cut loose from the cell surface. Scientists will use genetic tools, molecular biology, and biochemical tests to track the protein, identify enzymes that release it, and see how this signaling affects stress-triggered sleep-like behavior. Some experiments may use other simple animals (like zebrafish) and lab assays to check whether the mechanism is conserved across species. The work focuses on basic lab research rather than treating people directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could clarify how EGF-family signals are regulated and point toward new ideas for treating disorders linked to EGF signaling, such as certain cancers or sleep-regulation problems.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies across worms, flies, fish, and mammals have shown EGF-family signals influence development and sleep, but identifying a new Neuregulin-like ligand and its stress-triggered release mechanism is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
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California State University Northridge
Northridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Buskirk, Cheryl Lynn — California State University Northridge
- Study coordinator: Van Buskirk, Cheryl Lynn
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.