How genes shape brain cells that control movement
Transcriptional Regulation Over Neurogenesis of Cortical Output Neuron Segmental Identity and Diversity
This work looks at how genes guide the development of brain cells that control voluntary movement to help people with ALS, spinal cord injury, stroke, or cerebral palsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Winifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (White Plains, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11295462 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will identify the molecular signals that tell subcerebral projection neurons—including corticospinal neurons—to form connections to the brainstem and spinal cord. They will map when and how these distinct projection types are specified during brain development using laboratory models and molecular experiments. By pinpointing the transcriptional programs that create different movement-related neuron types, the researchers aim to reveal ways to promote circuit plasticity after injury or disease. This work is lab-focused and seeks to build foundational knowledge that could guide future therapies rather than testing treatments in people now.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people affected by ALS, spinal cord injury, stroke, or cerebral palsy who might provide samples or be considered for future clinical follow-up related to this research.
Not a fit: People with medical issues unrelated to motor circuits or those seeking immediate treatment are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to molecular targets for therapies that restore or strengthen movement circuits in ALS, spinal cord injury, stroke, or cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has mapped corticospinal and cortico-brainstem circuits and linked them to motor function and recovery, but the specific genes controlling their early development remain largely untested.
Where this research is happening
White Plains, United States
- Winifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst — White Plains, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sahni, Vibhu Vinodchandra — Winifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Sahni, Vibhu Vinodchandra
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.