How nerve cells that keep your gaze steady develop
Functional maturation of interneurons that mediate the vestibulo-ocular reflex - Renewal - Resubmission - 1
This project looks at how specific nerve cells that control eye stability and balance develop, with the goal of helping people who have dizziness or trouble keeping their eyes steady.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237965 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are mapping the development of the brain cells that drive the vestibulo-ocular reflex, the automatic response that keeps your gaze steady when you move. They separate interneuron subtypes by when the cells are born and use genetic and imaging tools in animal models (like zebrafish) to link birthdate to function and connectivity. The team will identify molecular markers that distinguish these subtypes so they can be targeted in future experiments. Ultimately, the work aims to explain how these circuits form and why they sometimes fail in vestibular disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with vestibular disorders, chronic dizziness, balance problems, or childhood vestibular dysfunction would be the most likely to benefit from discoveries that lead to new treatments or trials.
Not a fit: Patients whose eye movement or balance problems are caused by non-vestibular issues (for example primary muscle disorders or unrelated psychiatric conditions) may not benefit from this basic developmental work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets or strategies to diagnose, prevent, or treat dizziness and balance disorders by revealing the specific cells and molecules involved.
How similar studies have performed: Related molecular and developmental approaches have successfully clarified cell types and functions in other brain circuits, but applying these methods specifically to vestibular interneurons is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schoppik, David — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Schoppik, David
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.