How calcium channels help make and connect brain support cells (oligodendrocytes)
Modulation of Oligodendrocyte Development by Voltage-Operated Calcium Channels
This project will find out whether Cav1.2 calcium channels help support cells called oligodendrocytes grow and form connections with neurons in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235860 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will explore how Cav1.2 voltage-gated calcium channels control the migration, proliferation, maturation, and synaptic interactions of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). They will use high-resolution imaging and electrophysiological recordings to observe cell–cell interactions and signaling in real time. Proteomics and RNA sequencing will be applied to pseudopod fractions to identify proteins and genes whose expression changes with channel activity. Most experiments will be done in laboratory models at SUNY Buffalo to map pathways that could later guide therapies for myelin-related conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is primarily lab-based and does not enroll patients now, though its findings may later be relevant to adults with demyelinating conditions like multiple sclerosis.
Not a fit: People without central nervous system or myelin-related conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic research at this time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets to promote myelin repair and improve outcomes for people with demyelinating disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory work suggests Cav1.2 influences neuronal and OPC biology, but translating these insights into clinical treatments has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
Amherst, United States
- State University of New York at Buffalo — Amherst, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paez, Pablo Martin — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Paez, Pablo Martin
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.