Understanding brain issues related to a specific muscular dystrophy
Official title: Synaptic dysfunction in models of dystroglycanopathy
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11062529 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Dystroglycan, which helps the brain work properly, is affected in a type of muscular dystrophy, and it aims to find ways to fix problems with brain communication that might help people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $400,611 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131299-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062529 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with dystroglycanopathy, particularly those experiencing neurological symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without dystroglycanopathy or those who do not exhibit neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a protein called Dystroglycan, which is important for brain function, is affected in a type of muscular dystrophy known as dystroglycanopathy. The study uses mouse models to explore the role of Dystroglycan in the development and function of inhibitory synapses in the brain, which are crucial for proper communication between nerve cells. Researchers will examine the cellular mechanisms involved and test whether these synaptic defects can be corrected, potentially identifying effective treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve neurological function in patients with dystroglycanopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding synaptic dysfunction in related conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wright, Kevin — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Wright, Kevin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how a protein affects nerve cell movement in Alzheimer's disease
This study is looking at how a protein called APP affects the growth and movement of nerve cells, which is important for understanding Alzheimer's disease, and it aims to find out how problems with this protein might lead to nerve cell damage.
-
Understanding how the bone marrow environment drives AML resistance
A large NIH-funded project at Oregon Health & Science University is studying how the body’s own cell surroundings help acute myeloid leukemia become resistant to treatment, with potential paths to better therapies for patients.
-
Improving Safety at Work with a Low-Resource mHealth Program in Malaysia (and beyond)
A low-cost mobile health program to improve safety culture in Malaysian workplaces, with plans to adapt the approach for U.S. workers in high-risk industries.
-
Oregon Healthy Workplace Initiative for Better Health
A multi-site effort aims to improve the health and safety of workers by coordinating research, tools, and interventions across workplaces.
-
Understanding how AML cells become resistant to therapy over time
This project looks at why acute myeloid leukemia stops responding to treatment and how to design better drug combinations to prevent relapse.
-
Mechanisms and Countermeasures for Ultra-Potent Synthetic Opioid Overdose
A small, focused NIH grant aims to understand why ultra-potent synthetic opioids cause severe overdose and to explore potential countermeasures to keep people safe.
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.