How S1P-S1PR1 signaling helps neurons and astrocytes talk to each other
S1P-S1PR1 in bidirectional Neuron-Astrocyte communications
Researchers are looking at whether S1P-S1PR1 signals control how neurons and support cells (astrocytes) make and shape synapses during brain development and disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11377870 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as someone affected by a brain condition, this work studies how astrocytes (the brain's support cells) and neurons exchange signals using S1P-S1PR1 chemistry to build and modify connections. Scientists will track when astrocytes produce synapse-supporting proteins like hevin and thrombospondins and how contact with neurons or S1P signals changes that production. They will use cell models and animal experiments to follow these molecular signals and test how altering them affects synapse formation and circuit function. The team hopes these basic lab findings will explain changes seen in some brain disorders and point toward new treatment targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this lab-focused project does not enroll patients, people with brain disorders involving synapse dysfunction (for example autism spectrum conditions, epilepsy, or Alzheimer's disease) are the kinds of patients who might benefit from future therapies that arise from this work.
Not a fit: Patients with non-neurological conditions or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal molecular targets to help restore or improve synapse formation in developmental or neurodegenerative brain disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that astrocyte proteins like hevin and thrombospondins shape synapses, but using S1P-S1PR1 signaling to control their expression is a newer approach with limited direct clinical testing so far.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Sandeep Kumar — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Singh, Sandeep Kumar
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.