NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Understanding how a new protein affects brain development and function

Official title: Defining the function of a novel insulin-like growth factor binding protein in CNS development and function

Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10994420 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a new protein called Crimpy in fruit flies to see how it helps the brain develop and work, especially in areas like sleep and learning, which could eventually help people with brain-related disorders.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCase Western Reserve University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$42,746
NIH project number1F31NS139448-01
Project IDNIH-10994420 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders or those interested in the biological mechanisms of brain function.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to neurodevelopment or insulin signaling may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a novel insulin-like growth factor binding protein, known as Crimpy, in the development and function of the central nervous system (CNS). Using a model organism, Drosophila (fruit flies), the study aims to uncover how Crimpy influences neural circuit formation and behavior, particularly in relation to sleep and learning. The researchers will explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which Crimpy regulates insulin-like growth factor signaling in the brain, which could provide insights into neurodevelopmental disorders. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to new therapeutic targets for conditions related to misregulated insulin signaling.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders linked to insulin signaling.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding insulin signaling in the brain, but the specific role of Crimpy in this context is novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

  • Case Western Reserve University
    Cleveland, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Rydbom, Jerrik — Case Western Reserve University
  • Study coordinator: Rydbom, Jerrik

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.