Neuron-OPC Synaptic Mechanisms Shaping Myelin in Health and Disease
Official title: Neuron-OPC Synaptic Mechanisms in Myelin Patterning in health and disease
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11686448 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how brain cells called oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) listen to neurons to shape myelin, with potential relevance for autism and related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | October 5, 2026 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $113,250 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM148302-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11686448 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders where myelin formation is implicated, or healthy volunteers contributing samples for cellular studies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without any involvement in neuron-OPC studies or myelin research may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
OPCs form synapses with neurons and respond to neuronal signals to form myelin. The researchers will study the synaptic proteins and local calcium signals in OPCs that connect neuronal activity to myelin sheath formation. The work aims to uncover how neuron-OPC communication guides myelin patterns in both healthy and disease contexts. Findings could illuminate new angles for therapies targeting myelin-related aspects of neurodevelopmental disorders. The study is conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina under the PI JIAXING LI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Gaining insight into how myelin is formed and regulated could lead to new approaches for treating neurodevelopmental disorders linked to myelin abnormalities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows neuron-OPC synapses influence myelination, but the precise mechanisms are still being clarified, making this a promising but exploratory step.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Jiaxing — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Li, Jiaxing
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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.