How sensory activity influences the development of touch-sensing neurons
Official title: The Role of Mechanosensory Activity in the Transcriptional Maturation of Primary Somatosensory Neurons
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11017698 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our senses, like touch, influence the growth and function of certain nerve cells in the body, which could help us understand how our experiences shape our nervous system throughout our lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $76,756 |
| NIH project number | 5F32NS129589-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017698 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions affecting sensory processing or those interested in the biological mechanisms of sensory neuron development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established sensory neuron damage or those not experiencing sensory processing issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how sensory experiences affect the development and function of primary somatosensory neurons, specifically those in the dorsal root ganglia. By utilizing advanced genetic tools and sequencing techniques, the study aims to understand the relationship between sensory-driven neuronal activity and gene expression in these neurons. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms by which sensory input shapes the wiring and functionality of somatosensory circuits during development. This could provide insights into how sensory experiences influence neural circuit formation throughout life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential treatments for sensory processing disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding sensory neuron development, but this specific approach focusing on mechanosensory activity is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shuster, Scott Andrew — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Shuster, Scott Andrew
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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.