How brain cells talk to make neural connections
Cell-cell communications in neural circuit assembly
The project looks at how nerve cells use surface proteins to find and connect with the right partners during brain development to help explain human brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252578 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers use mouse brain models combined with precise genetic labeling (MADM) and viral-genetic tools to tag and manipulate single neurons. They focus on cell-surface proteins like Teneurin-3 (Ten3) and Latrophilin-2 (Lphn2) that act as attractive or repulsive signals guiding axons and dendrites. The team maps how these molecular signals steer axons to specific targets in the hippocampus and other brain regions. Understanding these wiring steps may reveal molecular reasons why brain circuits form incorrectly in some disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with developmental brain disorders or conditions linked to hippocampal circuit dysfunction, or those interested in basic research on brain wiring, would find this work most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment or those with unrelated medical issues are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this lab-based research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal molecular targets that may eventually lead to new ways to prevent or treat developmental and connectivity-related brain disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Related mouse genetics and single-cell labeling studies have successfully identified guidance molecules for neural wiring, but translation to human therapies is still early.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luo, Liqun — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Luo, Liqun
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 below.