Role of neuron ER contacts in trafficking inside nerve cells
Official title: Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Inter-Organelle Contacts in Neuronal Endosomal Traffic
Funded at Bates College · NIH-11416973 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly look at how the brain's internal tube system (ER) interacts with small transport packets inside neurons to affect nerve cell communication.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Bates College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lewiston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $248,936 |
| NIH project number | 4R00NS136720-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416973 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals with inherited neurological conditions such as hereditary spastic paraplegia or related disorders, or those who have a genetic context suggesting ER-endosome trafficking involvement.
✕Less likely to help
People without conditions related to ER-endosome trafficking may not directly benefit from this basic science study.
What this research studies
This grant explores how the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in neurons connects with endosomes to control transport inside nerve cells, especially during activity. Researchers will study neuronal cells in fruit flies and mammals to see how ER-endosome contacts form and change with activity, using live imaging and functional studies. The goal is to understand how disruptions in this system may contribute to neurodegenerative conditions like hereditary spastic paraplegia. By clarifying these basic cell processes, the work could point to new ways to support neuron health and signaling.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets to support neuron function and potentially slow or prevent progression in certain neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have shown that ER dynamics influence cellular transport, but this project would extend findings to neurons and activity-dependent regulation, making some aspects novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Bates College
Lewiston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Quiñones-Frías, Mónica Cristina — Bates College
- Study coordinator: Quiñones-Frías, Mónica Cristina
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.