Understanding how Arctic ground squirrels' neurons resist damage
Official title: Resilience mechanisms of Arctic ground squirrel neurons
Funded at Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco · NIH-11098540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Arctic ground squirrels' brain cells stay strong during tough conditions to help create better treatments for brain injuries, especially for veterans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2BX005369-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098540 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans or individuals who have experienced acute brain injuries or neurological diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic brain conditions or those not affected by acute brain injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique resilience mechanisms of Arctic ground squirrel neurons to improve treatments for acute brain injuries, particularly in veterans. By studying how these animals survive extreme metabolic stress, the research aims to identify specific genetic factors that contribute to neuronal protection. The approach includes advanced techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and various assays to analyze cell behavior and bioenergetics. The ultimate goal is to develop neuroprotective agents that can enhance recovery from brain injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve recovery outcomes for patients with acute brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of studying Arctic ground squirrel resilience is novel, similar research into neuroprotective mechanisms has shown promise in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singhal, Neel — Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Singhal, Neel
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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.