MAP2 and chemotherapy-related nerve damage
Investigating the role of MAP2 in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity
This project sees if increasing a nerve-support protein called MAP2 can protect sensory nerve cells from damage caused by common chemotherapy drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11256757 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We use human stem-cell–derived sensory neurons in the lab to mimic the nerve cells that are hurt by chemotherapy. Researchers will use gene-editing to add fluorescent tags to MAP2 and NMNAT2 so they can watch where and when these proteins change during exposure to drugs like bortezomib, paclitaxel, and vincristine. The team will test whether keeping MAP2 levels up prevents the early changes that lead to nerve breakdown. Results will help pinpoint whether MAP2 is a useful target for therapies to stop chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People getting neurotoxic chemotherapy such as bortezomib, paclitaxel, or vincristine who are at risk for developing peripheral neuropathy would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: Patients with neuropathy from non-chemotherapy causes or those with long-standing, irreversible nerve loss are less likely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or reduce chemotherapy-induced peripheral nerve damage.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory work already shows MAP2 overexpression protects human iPSC-derived neurons from bortezomib damage, but this approach has not yet been tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Staff, Nathan P — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Staff, Nathan P
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 below.