Understanding how a specific protein affects body position sensing
Official title: The encoding of proprioceptive signaling by Nav1.6
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11086574 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein helps our body know where it is and how it's moving, which is important for coordination and movement, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about how our senses work and how they might be affected in movement-related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $22,871 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS134241-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086574 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions affecting proprioception or motor coordination, such as autism spectrum disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without proprioceptive issues or those not affected by motor coordination disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore the molecular mechanisms involved in proprioception, which is the body's ability to sense its position and movement. By focusing on a protein called Nav1.6, the study will investigate how it influences sensory neurons responsible for proprioceptive signaling. The researchers will use advanced genetic techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9, to manipulate genes in these sensory neurons, allowing them to better understand how proprioception works and its impact on motor behaviors. This could lead to insights into conditions that affect movement and coordination.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for movement disorders related to proprioceptive dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding proprioception through genetic manipulation, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Espino, Cyrrus Maxwell — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Espino, Cyrrus Maxwell
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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.