How nerve connections for smell form in the brain
Targeting of sensory axons in the olfactory bulb
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11105951
This project explores how the sense of smell connects to the brain during development, which could help us understand conditions like CHARGE syndrome and anosmia.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11105951 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at how the nerves responsible for our sense of smell make the right connections in the brain as we develop. Researchers are using zebrafish to understand this process because their sense of smell system is simpler and easy to observe. We will identify specific proteins that help guide these nerve connections to their correct spots. By carefully adjusting these proteins, we can learn if they are essential for proper wiring, which could shed light on why some people experience problems with their sense of smell. This foundational work aims to uncover the basic mechanisms behind olfactory circuit formation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to help individuals affected by conditions that impact the sense of smell, such as CHARGE syndrome or anosmia.
Not a fit: Patients without conditions affecting their sense of smell or brain development related to olfaction may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding how these connections form could lead to new ways to address conditions like CHARGE syndrome and anosmia, where the sense of smell is affected.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of identifying and testing guidance cues in zebrafish is ongoing, the general field of developmental neuroscience has made progress in understanding neural circuit formation.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RAPER, JONATHAN A — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: RAPER, JONATHAN A
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.
Conditions: CHARGE syndrome, Candidate Disease Gene