Impact of Nf1 Mutation on Myelin Development and Brain Function in NF1 Kids and Adults
Official title: The Impact of Nf1 Mutation on Oligodendrocyte Development and Fine Motor Learning
Funded at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · NIH-11334345 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at understanding how an NF1 gene change affects brain myelin and motor learning to help kids with ADHD symptoms linked to NF1.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Edinburg, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $148,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16NS140307-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11334345 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and adults with Neurofibromatosis type 1 who experience ADHD symptoms or learning/motor challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without NF1 or without ADHD/mimicked motor symptoms may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This grant studies how the NF1 gene mutation changes oligodendrocyte development and brain myelin, and how that relates to ADHD and motor learning in people with NF1. Using mouse models and human data, researchers will link specific myelin changes to learning and behavior patterns seen in NF1 patients. The project will apply the latest myelin biology tools to uncover mechanisms and identify potential windows for therapy. Results could guide timing and types of interventions to improve attention, learning, and motor skills in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to new approaches to support learning and daily functioning for people with NF1-related ADHD and motor issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests myelin and oligodendrocyte changes influence learning and mood, supporting the plausibility of this approach, though direct NF1-specific links are being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lopez Juarez, Alejandro — University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Study coordinator: Lopez Juarez, Alejandro
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.