Understanding how astrocytes influence brain development and folding
Official title: CRCNS: Defining the role of astrogenesis in cortical folding
Funded at University of Notre Dame · NIH-10920494 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special brain cells called astrocytes help shape the brain's structure as it grows, using young ferrets to learn more about their role and how this might relate to brain health and disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Notre Dame NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Notre Dame, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $139,958 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS135852-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10920494 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders that may be linked to astrocyte dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to astrocyte function or those who are not experiencing neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of astrocytes, a type of glial cell, in the development of the brain's structure, specifically cortical folding. By combining experimental techniques and computational modeling, the researchers aim to explore how astrocytes may influence brain morphology during development. They will manipulate and track astrocytes in the developing ferret brain to understand their behavior and interactions with the cortex. This study seeks to provide insights into the mechanisms behind brain development and potential implications for various neurological disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of brain development and the role of astrocytes in neurological conditions, potentially informing new therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of astrocytes in brain function is increasingly recognized, this specific approach combining computational and experimental methods to study cortical folding is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holland, Maria — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: Holland, Maria
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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.