Investigating how certain molecules affect nerve cell and astrocyte development
Official title: Converging molecular mechanisms in axon degeneration and astrocyte morphogenesis
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10947696 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain molecules affect brain cells called astrocytes and their connection to nerve cell damage, using zebrafish to help us learn more about brain health and potentially improve our understanding of conditions that cause nerve degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $429,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS138718-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947696 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurodegenerative conditions or those at risk for such disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute neurological injuries or those not affected by neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the roles of specific molecules in the development of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, and their relationship with nerve cell degeneration. Using a model organism, zebrafish, the study aims to understand how these molecules interact and influence the health of the central nervous system. By examining genetic pathways, the researchers hope to uncover new insights into the mechanisms that regulate both astrocyte morphology and axon degeneration, which could lead to better understanding of neurodegenerative disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating degenerative neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Monk, Kelly R — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Monk, Kelly R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how a protein affects nerve cell movement in Alzheimer's disease
This study is looking at how a protein called APP affects the growth and movement of nerve cells, which is important for understanding Alzheimer's disease, and it aims to find out how problems with this protein might lead to nerve cell damage.
-
Understanding how the bone marrow environment drives AML resistance
A large NIH-funded project at Oregon Health & Science University is studying how the body’s own cell surroundings help acute myeloid leukemia become resistant to treatment, with potential paths to better therapies for patients.
-
Improving Safety at Work with a Low-Resource mHealth Program in Malaysia (and beyond)
A low-cost mobile health program to improve safety culture in Malaysian workplaces, with plans to adapt the approach for U.S. workers in high-risk industries.
-
Oregon Healthy Workplace Initiative for Better Health
A multi-site effort aims to improve the health and safety of workers by coordinating research, tools, and interventions across workplaces.
-
Understanding how AML cells become resistant to therapy over time
This project looks at why acute myeloid leukemia stops responding to treatment and how to design better drug combinations to prevent relapse.
-
Mechanisms and Countermeasures for Ultra-Potent Synthetic Opioid Overdose
A small, focused NIH grant aims to understand why ultra-potent synthetic opioids cause severe overdose and to explore potential countermeasures to keep people safe.
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.