Understanding how brain cell structures develop during adolescence
Official title: Providing New Insight Into Adolescent Dendritic Development
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10991724 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the tiny branches in brain cells grow and change during the teenage years, which is important for how we process information, and it hopes to find out how problems with this growth might be linked to mental health issues in young people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $443,475 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132586-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991724 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who may be experiencing neuropsychiatric symptoms or are at risk for such conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the adolescent age range or those without neuropsychiatric concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the growth and stability of dendritic structures in neurons, which are crucial for processing sensory information in the brain. It focuses on how these structures change during adolescence and how disruptions can lead to neuropsychiatric disorders. By examining the role of specific proteins that influence dendritic growth, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind normal and abnormal brain development in young people. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to better understanding and treatment of adolescent-onset mental health issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new insights into preventing or treating neuropsychiatric disorders that emerge during adolescence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding dendritic development, but this specific approach focusing on OMGp signaling is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grubisha, Melanie Jean — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Grubisha, Melanie Jean
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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.