Mapping interactions among proteins on nerve cells
Official title: A Cell-Based Screen for Global Mapping of Interactions among Neural Cell Surface Proteins
Funded at California Institute of Technology · NIH-11051907 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how proteins on nerve cells talk to each other, which is really important for keeping our nervous system working well, and it aims to create a new tool to help scientists learn more about these interactions, potentially helping people with neurological conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pasadena, United States) |
| Project start | March 7, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $216,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH136474-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051907 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological conditions or those interested in the underlying mechanisms of nerve cell function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to nerve cell function or those not affected by neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how proteins on the surface of nerve cells interact with each other, which is crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system. The team will develop a new technology to create engineered extracellular vesicles that display these proteins, allowing them to identify binding partners in a single experiment. By understanding these interactions, the research aims to shed light on the complex communication processes between nerve cells, which could have implications for various neurological conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into nerve cell communication and potentially inform treatments for neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cell-surface protein interactions, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zinn, Kai G — California Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Zinn, Kai G
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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.