How neurons control cell death and axon pruning
Spatial Restriction of Apoptotic Machinery during Neuronal Apoptosis and Pruning
This study is looking at how nerve cells handle their own cleanup when they need to get rid of damaged parts, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how these processes work in healthy and diseased brains.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11056113 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how neurons manage the process of cell death (apoptosis) and the selective removal of axons (pruning). It aims to understand whether the mechanisms that trigger these processes are activated throughout the entire neuron or are localized to specific areas. By using specialized microfluidic devices, researchers will manipulate and observe neurons to see how these processes occur in real-time. This could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of neuronal health and disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurodegenerative conditions or those experiencing axonal damage.
Not a fit: Patients with non-neurological conditions or those whose axonal health is not compromised may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating neurodegenerative diseases by targeting the mechanisms of neuronal cell death and axon degeneration.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of examining spatial restriction in neuronal apoptosis is novel, related research has shown promising results in understanding neuronal degeneration.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deshmukh, Mohanish P — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Deshmukh, Mohanish P
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.