Understanding how brain cells called glia help us feel touch
Glial ion channels in glia/neurons interactions
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11137697
This project explores how specialized cells in our skin, called glia, might help us sense touch, which could lead to new ways to help people with touch-related problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CORAL GABLES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11137697 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Touch is incredibly important for daily life and social connections, but we don't fully understand how our bodies sense it. This project focuses on tiny cells called glia, which are found alongside nerve endings in our skin's touch receptors. Researchers want to find out if these glial cells play a direct role in detecting mechanical forces, similar to how other skin cells have been found to be primary touch sensors. By studying how glia and nerve cells interact in a simple organism, they hope to uncover new insights into human touch.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who experience disruptions in their sense of touch due to injury or disease may eventually benefit from the new treatment approaches this fundamental research could inspire.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options will not directly benefit from this foundational research, as it focuses on understanding basic biological mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new cellular targets for developing treatments for conditions where the sense of touch is impaired.
How similar studies have performed: Prior groundbreaking work has shown that other non-neuronal cells can be primary sensory cells in touch, and preliminary findings in a model organism suggest glia may also detect mechanical forces.
Where this research is happening
CORAL GABLES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE — CORAL GABLES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BIANCHI, LAURA — UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: BIANCHI, LAURA
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 below.