How Nf1 mutations affect brain cell development and motor skills
Official title: The Impact of Nf1 Mutation on Oligodendrocyte Development and Fine Motor Learning
Funded at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · NIH-11123235 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the Nf1 gene affect the brain cells that help with myelin, which is important for brain health, and it aims to understand how these changes might lead to learning challenges and ADHD in kids with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), hoping to find new ways to help manage these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Edinburg, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $148,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16NS140307-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123235 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis type 1 who exhibit learning disabilities or ADHD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis type 1 or those who do not exhibit neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of Nf1 gene mutations on the development of oligodendrocytes, which are crucial for myelin formation in the brain. It focuses on understanding how these mutations contribute to neurological issues such as learning disabilities and ADHD in children with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). By using advanced mouse models, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind myelin abnormalities and their impact on brain function and motor skills. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing NF1-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights that lead to targeted treatments for children with NF1, improving their learning and motor skills.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding myelin's role in brain function, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lopez Juarez, Alejandro — University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Study coordinator: Lopez Juarez, Alejandro
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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.