How growing nerve fibers move guidance receptors during brain and spinal cord development
Regulation of axon guidance receptor trafficking in the developing mammalian central nervous system
This work looks at how developing nerve cells shuffle guidance proteins inside themselves so they connect correctly in the brain and spinal cord, which could help people with wiring problems or nerve injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146429 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are following molecules that tell nerve fibers where to grow by watching how guidance receptors are moved inside cells. They use mouse models and lab tests with human receptors to study Ndfip proteins and their effect on Robo guidance receptors that help axons cross the midline. By altering Ndfip genes in mice, the team can see wiring mistakes that affect coordinated movement and behavior. Learning these steps may point to ways to encourage nerve regrowth or correct developmental wiring disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with congenital brain wiring disorders, certain developmental motor coordination problems, or people with nerve injuries who might donate samples or join future clinical work would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to nervous system wiring or those seeking immediate treatments are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to molecular targets to promote nerve regeneration or fix developmental connections in the brain and spinal cord.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal work (for example in fruit flies and mice) has revealed analogous guidance mechanisms and the team's early mouse and cell experiments support a similar role for Ndfip proteins, but translation to human therapies remains early.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bashaw, Greg J. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Bashaw, Greg J.
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.