Investigating how myelin develops and functions in the nervous system
Official title: New cell biology tools to study myelin development, dynamics, and disease
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10649184 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how myelin, the protective covering around nerves, works and changes in response to nerve activity, using special tools in living mice, to help us understand its importance for brain health, especially in conditions like multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $436,665 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS131999-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10649184 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with conditions affecting myelin, particularly those with multiple sclerosis or similar neurodegenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to myelin or those who are not adults may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding myelin, the protective layer around nerve fibers, and its crucial role in nerve signaling. The project aims to develop new tools using adeno-associated viruses to study oligodendrocytes, the cells responsible for myelin production, in living mice. By observing how these cells behave and adapt in response to neuronal activity, researchers hope to uncover insights into myelin's dynamic role in both healthy and diseased states, particularly in conditions like multiple sclerosis. This innovative approach will help bridge existing knowledge gaps in myelin biology and its implications for brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases involving myelin loss, such as multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using viral tools to study cell biology, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zuchero, John B — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Zuchero, John B
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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.