How internal organ signals affect brain activity in zebrafish
Official title: Viscerosensory Modulation of Brain Circuits in Larval Zebrafish
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-10942990 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how signals from the organs in zebrafish larvae affect their brain activity and behavior, helping us learn more about how the brain responds to changes in the body and environment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | August 6, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $327,453 |
| NIH project number | 1R34NS138096-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10942990 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals with conditions affecting sensory processing or brain function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to sensory integration or those who do not have neurological concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how sensory signals from internal organs influence brain circuits during natural behaviors in zebrafish larvae. By utilizing advanced techniques like 2-photon microscopy, the study aims to measure neural activity and visceral responses such as heart rate and gut motility in real-time. The zebrafish model allows for non-invasive observation and genetic manipulation, providing insights into how the brain integrates information from the body's internal state. The findings could enhance our understanding of brain function and behavior in response to environmental changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how the brain processes internal signals, potentially informing treatments for conditions related to sensory integration and brain function.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach using zebrafish larvae is novel, similar studies in other animal models have shown promising results in understanding sensory integration in the brain.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hernandez Nunez, Luis Alonso — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Hernandez Nunez, Luis Alonso
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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.