Investigating the blood-nerve barrier in health and diabetes
Official title: Molecular analysis of the blood-nerve barrier in health and diabetes
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11057426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special barrier in your body, called the blood-nerve barrier, controls what gets in and out of your nervous system, especially in people with diabetic nerve damage, to help find new ways to treat these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $437,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS137238-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057426 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have diabetes or related conditions affecting the peripheral nervous system.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to the blood-nerve barrier or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the blood-nerve barrier (BNB) regulates the movement of molecules and cells between the blood and the nervous system. By comparing the BNB to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the study aims to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms that maintain these barriers' functions in both healthy and diseased states. Researchers will utilize advanced techniques, including RNA sequencing, to identify key genes involved in BNB function, particularly in the context of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This work could lead to new therapeutic strategies for conditions affecting the peripheral nervous system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy and other related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While significant progress has been made in understanding the blood-brain barrier, this research on the blood-nerve barrier is relatively novel and aims to fill a critical gap in knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Daneman, Richard — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Daneman, Richard
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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.