How sensory neurons change shape and function in response to environment
Official title: Mechanisms of sensory neuron morphological diversification, signaling, and functional plasticity
Funded at Brandeis University · NIH-11381976 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how specific taste-and-sense neurons in the nervous system develop their unique shapes and adapt their signaling when experiences or temperature change.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brandeis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waltham, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2017 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $796,323 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM122463-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381976 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patients directly; findings may inform future research on human sensory disorders.
✕Less likely to help
No immediate patient participation or benefits in this basic research grant.
What this research studies
This project looks at why certain sensory neurons in C. elegans develop distinctive cilia structures and how their connections influence how they communicate. It will examine whether adhesion between cilia affects their arrangement and function, and how these patterns impact sensory signaling. A second focus is on how temperature experiences can reshape neuron morphology and activity, revealing mechanisms that underlie sensory plasticity. The work uses model organisms and genetic tools to connect cellular changes with behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding how sensory neurons adapt could lead to new insights for treating human sensory and behavior disorders by revealing targets that modulate neuronal signaling.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed organized sensory cilia patterns; this project aims to extend that understanding to functional outcomes, which is a logical next step.
Where this research is happening
-
Brandeis University
Waltham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sengupta, Piali — Brandeis University
- Study coordinator: Sengupta, Piali
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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.