Investigating how ubiquitination affects neuron function and health
Official title: Single-Molecule Imaging of Ubiquitination Dynamics in Neurons
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10817362 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a process called ubiquitination works in brain cells, which is important for learning and memory, and it aims to see how changes in this process might be linked to conditions like fragile X syndrome, using special techniques to observe live neurons from mice and humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $430,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS133933-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10817362 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with fragile X syndrome or related neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological disorders not related to ubiquitination dynamics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the dynamics of ubiquitination in neurons, which is crucial for various biological processes including gene expression and synaptic function. By utilizing a novel technique called Single Molecule Ubiquitination Mediated Fluorescence Complementation (SM-UbFC), researchers aim to visualize and quantify how ubiquitination occurs in live neurons. The study will explore how changes in ubiquitination may influence synaptic plasticity and contribute to neurological diseases, particularly in conditions like fragile X syndrome. The research will involve cultured mouse cortical neurons and human-derived neurons to gain insights into these mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders linked to ubiquitination dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown the importance of ubiquitination in neuronal function, but this specific approach using live imaging is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bassell, Gary J — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Bassell, Gary J
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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.