Understanding how a specific protein influences the choice of smell-related genes in the nose.
Official title: The role of Tex15 in shaping stochastic olfactory receptor gene choice.
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-10932196 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Tex15 helps our nose cells pick which smell genes to use, which is important for how we recognize different scents, and it aims to understand how this process works during the development of those cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $40,352 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DC021641-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932196 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions affecting their sense of smell or those interested in genetic factors influencing olfactory perception.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no olfactory function or those not interested in genetic research may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called Tex15 in the selection of olfactory receptor genes, which are essential for our ability to detect different smells. The study focuses on how olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) express these genes, with each neuron choosing to express only one allele from a large pool of options. By examining the molecular mechanisms involved, the research aims to uncover how Tex15 affects the diversity of olfactory receptors during the development of these neurons. This could provide insights into the fundamental processes of smell perception.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of olfactory function and potentially lead to new treatments for smell-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of Tex15 in olfactory receptor gene choice is novel, similar research has successfully identified key proteins involved in gene expression in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yusuf, Nusrath — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Yusuf, Nusrath
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.