Neuroligin proteins and how they guide brain cell myelination
Official title: The Role of Neuroligin Synaptic Adhesion Proteins on Oligodendrocyte Development and Myelination.
Funded at Santa Clara University · NIH-11444828 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study looking at how neuroligin proteins in certain brain cells help form connections and promote healthy myelin in the brain, with potential relevance to diseases like Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Santa Clara University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Clara, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $512,562 |
| NIH project number | 2R15NS108234-02A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11444828 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with Alzheimer's-type dementias or related neurodegenerative conditions where myelin problems are relevant, or anyone contributing to similar basic science questions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without demyelinating or neurodegenerative conditions may not directly benefit from this basic science study.
What this research studies
This project explores how neuroligin adhesion proteins in oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) influence the formation of neuron-to-OPC synapses and the subsequent myelination of neurons. Using mouse- and cell-based models, researchers will examine whether removing neuroligins from OPCs disrupts myelin development by analyzing myelin proteins, conducting electron microscopy, and staining for myelin nodes. The findings could reveal new mechanisms by which brain connectivity is established and maintained, which may inform approaches to neurodegenerative diseases with demyelination components. While the work is preclinical, it targets cellular processes that could ultimately impact patients with Alzheimer’s disease, affective disorders, and related dementias by preserving or restoring myelin.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new cellular targets to promote healthy myelination and potentially slow or modify disease progression in dementias and other neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests neuroligin-related synapses influence neural circuitry, but their role in oligodendrocytes and myelination is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cocas, Laura a — Santa Clara University
- Study coordinator: Cocas, Laura a
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.