Improving delivery of molecules to neurons in the brain
Official title: Enhancing Non-Viral Neuron-Specific Molecule Delivery Across Species in the CNS
Funded at University of Texas Dallas · NIH-11168379 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special tiny protein called N1 that could help deliver medicine directly to brain cells, which might make treatments for neurological conditions work better and be easier to use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $821,998 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH140482-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11168379 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with neurological conditions that could benefit from enhanced molecular delivery therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neuronal delivery or those who do not require molecular therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the delivery of specific molecules to neurons in the central nervous system using a novel 15-amino-acid peptide called N1. The N1 peptide has shown the ability to selectively target neurons, which could improve the efficiency of delivering therapeutic agents for various neurological conditions. The research will explore how this peptide can transport different types of molecules into neurons across various species, aiming to overcome current limitations in non-viral delivery methods. By optimizing the stability and delivery capabilities of the N1 peptide, the study seeks to facilitate non-invasive brain delivery of therapeutic agents.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for neurological disorders by improving how therapeutic molecules are delivered to neurons.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using peptides for targeted delivery is promising, this specific method is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in human applications.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Dallas
Richardson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qin, Zhenpeng — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Qin, Zhenpeng
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.