Understanding Brain Myelin Repair
Adhesion G Protein-Coupled Receptors in CNS Development and Regeneration
This project explores how a specific protein helps build and repair the protective covering around nerve cells in the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11079609 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains rely on a protective layer called myelin, which helps nerve cells communicate effectively. This project focuses on a protein called GPR56, which appears to play a key role in how specialized brain cells, called oligodendrocytes, form this myelin. We are looking into how GPR56 helps these cells organize their internal structure to wrap around nerve fibers. By understanding this process, we hope to uncover new ways to support myelin formation and repair.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with conditions involving myelin damage or impaired brain development could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this fundamental understanding.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to myelin formation or repair would likely not directly benefit from this specific line of basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for treating conditions where myelin is damaged, such as multiple sclerosis or after brain injury.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work from this team has shown that GPR56 is involved in early stages of myelin cell development, and this project builds on those findings with new, specific hypotheses.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Piao, Xianhua — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Piao, Xianhua
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.