New tiny light tools to watch and control nerve cells
An Orthogonal Bioluminescent Platform For Multiplexed Imaging And Control
Creating tiny, bright light-making tools so scientists can watch and control brain and spinal cord cells to help people with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS.
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 ID | NIH-11179331 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will create very small, bright enzymes and matching chemicals that produce light inside living tissues so different cell signals can be seen separately. They will modify natural light-making molecules and use directed evolution to make enzymes that work with these new chemicals. These tools are meant to work noninvasively in intact animal models of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and ALS to track and manipulate cells over time. The goal is to give researchers clearer, simultaneous views of multiple processes in the brain and spinal cord.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or ALS who want to support research or might take part in future imaging‑guided studies would be the most relevant patient group.
Not a fit: Patients looking for a direct or immediate treatment should not expect personal benefit because this project develops research imaging tools rather than a therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let researchers track disease processes and test therapies more precisely, speeding development of better treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Bioluminescent tools like NanoLuc have been used successfully in animals, but building multiple independently controllable light systems for simultaneous imaging and control is a newer and less-tested direction.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shaner, Nathan Christopher — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Shaner, Nathan Christopher
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.