How neurons transport important materials during development and disease
Official title: Regulation of cargo transport during neuronal development and disease
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10863335 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain cells build their structures by moving important materials around, using zebrafish embryos to see how a special protein helps with this process, and the results could help us understand some brain diseases caused by genetic changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $535,743 |
| NIH project number | 1R56NS132890-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10863335 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic mutations that lead to early-onset spastic paraplegia or other neurodevelopmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with unrelated neurological conditions or those without genetic mutations affecting neuronal transport may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how neurons develop their complex structures by transporting specific materials to different parts of the cell. It focuses on understanding the role of kinesin-1, a motor protein, in delivering these materials accurately within neurons. By using zebrafish embryos as a model, the research aims to visualize and analyze the dynamics of this cargo transport in a natural environment. The findings could shed light on the mechanisms behind certain neurodegenerative diseases linked to genetic mutations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into treating neurodegenerative diseases caused by defects in neuronal transport.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding neuronal transport mechanisms, but this specific approach using zebrafish embryos is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Halloran, Mary C — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Halloran, Mary C
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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.