How stress and oxidation change nerve communication
Stress regulation of neurotransmission
Scientists are learning how oxidant signals and gut–brain messages change nerve chemical release, which could matter for people with neurodegenerative conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11266174 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses the tiny roundworm C. elegans to trace how hydrogen peroxide acts as a signal that changes the release of neuropeptides from nerve cells. Researchers will examine the molecular steps that let oxidants modify release machinery in neurons and then trigger antioxidant responses in the intestine. The team studies how those gut–brain signals engage the SKN-1/Nrf2 antioxidant pathway to protect tissues. Findings are intended to reveal basic mechanisms that could be relevant to human brain aging and neurodegenerative disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this is lab work in worms and does not enroll people, the findings are most relevant to patients with neurodegenerative conditions linked to oxidative stress, such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
Not a fit: Patients should not expect direct clinical benefit or treatment options from this project because it is basic research using model organisms and does not provide patient care or trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new molecular targets for therapies that protect neurons from oxidative damage in neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked oxidative signaling and Nrf2-related pathways to protection in cells and animal models, but applying hydrogen peroxide-driven neuropeptide release and gut–brain signaling in C. elegans is a relatively new and exploratory approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sieburth, Derek — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Sieburth, Derek
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.