Investigating how specific calcium channels affect the development of myelin-producing brain cells.
Official title: The role of P/Q-type channels in oligodendrocyte lineage cell development
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11081618 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain calcium channels affect the growth of cells that make myelin, which is important for healthy brain function, using zebrafish to see what happens when these channels don’t work properly, especially in relation to conditions like episodic ataxia and epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 14, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS137600-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081618 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological disorders linked to CACNA1A mutations, such as episodic ataxia or epilepsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without CACNA1A-related disorders or those not affected by myelin production issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of P/Q-type calcium channels in the development of oligodendrocyte lineage cells (OLCs), which are crucial for producing myelin in the central nervous system. Using zebrafish as a model organism, the study will create mutations in genes related to these channels and observe the effects on myelin formation and calcium signaling in OLCs. The research aims to uncover how disruptions in these channels may contribute to neurological disorders linked to the CACNA1A gene, which is associated with conditions like episodic ataxia and epilepsy. By employing advanced imaging techniques, the study will provide insights into the cellular processes involved in myelin development and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies for neurological disorders caused by mutations in the CACNA1A gene.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding calcium channel functions in neurons, but this specific focus on oligodendrocyte lineage cells is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Piller, Melanie Elaine — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Piller, Melanie Elaine
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.