NIH-funded research R21 grant

Investigating how a specific receptor affects brain cell development in young rats

Official title: p75NTR regulates oligodendrocyte progenitor development in the SubventricularZone of postnatal rats

Funded at Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark · NIH-10877528 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a specific protein affects the growth of important brain cells in young rats, which could help us understand how to support healthy brain development.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$235,500
NIH project number1R21NS137258-01
Project IDNIH-10877528 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals with conditions affecting brain development or myelination, particularly those under 21 years of age.

Less likely to help

Patients with fully developed brains or those not affected by oligodendrocyte-related conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) in the development of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells in the subventricular zone of postnatal rats. By creating a specialized rat model that lacks this receptor, researchers aim to explore how its absence influences the differentiation and maturation of these brain cells. The study will also examine whether this deletion affects the overall pool of progenitor cells, which are crucial for healthy brain development. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms that regulate brain cell development and myelination.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for promoting healthy brain development and potentially addressing conditions related to myelin abnormalities.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting p75NTR in oligodendrocyte progenitors is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding cell differentiation and brain development.

Where this research is happening

  • Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
    Newark, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Friedman, Wilma J — Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
  • Study coordinator: Friedman, Wilma J

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.