How Schwann cell damage affects peripheral nerve fibers
Impact of Schwann Cell Pathology on Axon Structure and Function
This work looks at how problems in Schwann cells change nerve fiber structure and signaling for people with peripheral nerve disorders like Charcot–Marie–Tooth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238543 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You can think of Schwann cells as the support cells that wrap and protect nerves; this project studies how faults in those cells change nerve shape and how electrical signals travel. Researchers will follow gene programs in Schwann cells—including the key regulator Egr2—and use laboratory models to see how Schwann cell defects lead to thinner axons, disrupted nodes of Ranvier, inflammation, and axon loss. They will measure nerve conduction and examine tissue and molecular changes to connect Schwann cell pathology with the nerve slowing and disability seen in inherited neuropathies such as CMT.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inherited demyelinating peripheral neuropathies (for example Charcot–Marie–Tooth) or those with unexplained slow nerve conduction are the most relevant candidates for this work.
Not a fit: Patients with disorders limited to the central nervous system or nerve problems caused purely by metabolic or toxic insults may not directly benefit from this Schwann cell-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to molecular targets to protect axons or restore myelination and help slow or prevent disability in peripheral nerve diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic and animal studies have linked Schwann cell factors like Egr2 to myelination and CMT models, but moving these findings into patient treatments remains early.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salzer, James — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Salzer, James
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.