Improving smell recovery by targeting FAK and CNTF signals
Official title: Improving olfactory neuroplasticity through FAK/CNTF signaling
Funded at East Tennessee State University · NIH-11361051 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A human-focused grant hoping to boost the body’s own ability to regenerate our sense of smell after injury or aging by influencing specific cellular signals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Tennessee State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Johnson City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $370,207 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC020528-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11361051 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with olfactory dysfunction due to injury, infection, or aging who may benefit from regenerative therapies in the future.
✕Less likely to help
People whose sense of smell is not affected by injury or aging may not benefit from this specific line of research.
What this research studies
This project studies how olfactory sensory neurons regenerate after damage and whether blocking a protein called FAK can boost signals that help nose cells grow back. Researchers will use mice to test genetic, drug-based, and behavioral approaches to see if inhibiting FAK increases CNTF signaling and supports olfactory neuron restoration. The aim is to identify mechanisms that could lead to new therapies for people with smell loss due to injury, infection, or aging. The work combines molecular experiments with tests that measure changes in the sense of smell after injury.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new treatments that help people regain or improve their sense of smell.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in this area show that signaling pathways can influence olfactory neuron regeneration, suggesting potential for meaningful progress.
Where this research is happening
-
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jia, Cuihong — East Tennessee State University
- Study coordinator: Jia, Cuihong
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.