Investigating how myelin develops and functions in the nervous system

New cell biology tools to study myelin development, dynamics, and disease

['FUNDING_R21'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-10649184

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

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10649184 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with conditions affecting myelin, particularly those with multiple sclerosis or similar neurodegenerative diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to myelin or those who are not adults may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.