How myelin finds the right nerves in the brain and spinal cord
Mechanisms of CNS myelin targeting
Researchers are looking at specific genes that help cells wrap myelin around the right nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord to inform treatments for myelin disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11330544 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, scientists will study genes called tmem125b and jams2/3 that seem to tell myelin-making cells where to wrap. They will use zebrafish and mouse models along with lab-grown cells and genetic editing tools (like CRISPR) to change these genes and watch what happens. The team will look for cases where myelin wraps in the wrong places and then search for partner proteins that prevent that mistargeting. These experiments aim to reveal the molecular signals that guide myelin during development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients; people with myelin-related conditions (for example, multiple sclerosis) are the likely future beneficiaries of follow-up clinical work.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological issues unrelated to myelin formation or maintenance are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for therapies that prevent or repair incorrect myelination in diseases like multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and cell studies have shown that changing related genes can alter myelination patterns, but translating those findings into human treatments is still very early.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kucenas, Sarah C — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Kucenas, Sarah C
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.