Role of ER membrane contact sites in synapse formation and plasticity
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11607992 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study from Brown University will explore how connections between cell parts help neurons form and adapt synapses, which may shed light on degenerative brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $473,561 |
| NIH project number | 1R56NS146176-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11607992 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk for degenerative neurologic disorders who may benefit from advances in synapse biology and autophagy-related therapies in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose conditions are not linked to synaptic formation or autophagy dynamics may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project investigates how membrane contact sites between organelles influence when and how neurons form synapses and adjust their strength. Using genetic tools, live imaging, super-resolution methods, and proteomics in model systems, researchers will map how PDZD8 at ER-lysosome and ER-mitochondria contact sites drives lysosome maturation and autophagy during active synapse formation. The goal is to connect signals at the cellular level to the steps that shape neural networks during development and disease. Findings could reveal new targets to support neuronal health in degenerative neurological conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these mechanisms could lead to new strategies to maintain healthy synapses in neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Similar work using model organisms has shown that altering ER contact sites affects synapse formation and cellular health, supporting potential relevance to human disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'connor-Giles, Kathaleen M — Brown University
- Study coordinator: O'connor-Giles, Kathaleen M
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.