How small proteins influence nerve connections in a model organism
Official title: Regulation of synapse development by small GTPase cascades in Caenorhabditis elegans
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10854831 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help nerve cells connect properly, which is important for communication in the brain, and it uses tiny worms to learn more about these processes, with hopes that the results could help improve treatments for conditions that affect brain development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $390,600 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129668-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10854831 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder or Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to synaptic development or those not affected by neurodevelopmental disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of small GTPase proteins in the development of synapses, which are crucial for nerve communication. Using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, the study aims to identify the molecular pathways that promote healthy synapse formation. By employing genetic and cell biology techniques, researchers will explore how specific proteins interact to support the structure of nerve connections. The findings could lead to new insights into treating neurodevelopmental disorders linked to synaptic deficits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach using small GTPases in C. elegans is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding synaptic development and its implications for neurological disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cherra, Salvatore James — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Cherra, Salvatore 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.