Understanding how brain cells develop for motor control after injury or disease
Official title: Transcriptional Regulation Over Neurogenesis of Cortical Output Neuron Segmental Identity and Diversity
Funded at Winifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst · NIH-11042784 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells that help control movement develop and connect in people with conditions like ALS and after strokes, with the goal of finding ways to improve recovery and movement for those who are paralyzed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Winifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (White Plains, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $526,189 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131662-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042784 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke survivors, and patients with cerebral palsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to motor neuron degeneration or those who do not experience motor control issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the development of specific brain cells called subcerebral projection neurons, which are crucial for voluntary motor control. It focuses on how these neurons connect to other parts of the brain and spinal cord, particularly in conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and after strokes. By examining the molecular mechanisms that guide the formation of these connections during development, the research aims to uncover ways to enhance recovery and motor function in patients with paralysis. The approach includes studying the differences in brain circuitry that affect recovery outcomes in various conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve motor function and recovery in patients with conditions like ALS, stroke, and cerebral palsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding motor control circuits, but this specific investigation into the developmental mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Winifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst
White Plains, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sahni, Vibhu Vinodchandra — Winifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Sahni, Vibhu Vinodchandra
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating how a specific protein influences neuron development in the brain.
This study is looking at how a specific part of the brain helps create different types of nerve cells, focusing on a factor called St18 that helps shape these cells, which could lead to better understanding and treatments for brain-related conditions.
-
How brain-to-spine nerve cells may help restore precise hand and arm movement after spinal cord injury
This work explores whether targeted rehabilitation can guide damaged brain-to-spine nerve cells to rewire and help people with spinal cord injuries regain fine hand and forearm movement.
-
How genes shape brain cells that control movement
This work looks at how genes guide the development of brain cells that control voluntary movement to help people with ALS, spinal cord injury, stroke, or cerebral palsy.
-
Investigating how specific neurons in the entorhinal cortex are affected by Alzheimer's disease.
This study is looking at how certain brain cells in a part of the brain called the entorhinal cortex might be affected in Alzheimer's disease, and it aims to find out if these cells are too active because of other cells being overactive or underactive; by testing special mice, the researchers hope to learn more about h
-
High-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) to reduce harmful sugar-related protein damage in Alzheimer's
Looks at whether high-dose thiamine (benfotiamine) lowers harmful sugar-related protein damage and helps people with Alzheimer's, and whether the common APOE4 gene changes the effect.
-
Investigating how brain activity changes and protein buildup contribute to Alzheimer's disease
This study is looking at how changes in brain activity and protein buildup in a specific area of the brain might lead to Alzheimer's disease, using mice to help us understand what happens early on, which could help us find new ways to prevent or treat the disease.
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.