Understanding how Cas proteins guide brain cell connections during development
Official title: Role of Cas adaptor proteins during cortical axon pathfinding
Funded at University of California Riverside · NIH-11013696 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help brain cells connect with each other, which is important for things like memory and perception, and it aims to understand how problems with these connections might lead to brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $582,883 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS139914-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013696 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 21 years old who may be affected by neurodevelopmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients over 21 years old or those without neurodevelopmental disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Cas adaptor proteins in the development of brain connections, which are crucial for functions like perception and memory. By examining how these proteins interact with various signaling pathways during critical developmental stages, the research aims to uncover how neurons navigate and form connections. The study employs advanced tools to analyze the function of Cas proteins in guiding axons, which are the long projections of neurons that connect different brain regions. This work could provide insights into the mechanisms behind neurodevelopmental disorders caused by disruptions in brain circuit formation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating neurodevelopmental disorders by enhancing our understanding of brain development.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding signaling pathways in brain development can lead to significant advancements in treating related disorders, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Riverside
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Riccomagno, Martin Miguel — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Riccomagno, Martin Miguel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cellular programming by plant signaling in cancer and other diseases
Scientists are studying how plant cell signals control gene activity in the nucleus and mitochondria to understand faulty regulation that can occur in cancers and other disorders.
-
Caveolin-1 helps brain vessels stay healthy after juvenile concussion
A study in kids and young adults looks at how a protein called Caveolin-1 affects brain blood vessels after a mild concussion and whether targeting it could protect long-term brain health.
-
How tiny cell antennae control signals linked to birth defects and cancer
Researchers are looking for new proteins in cells' tiny antennae that control signals involved in certain birth defects and cancers to point toward future treatments.
-
New ways to make natural compounds that could fight cancer, Alzheimer's, and inflammation
A scientist team will make and test natural-looking molecules to see if they can block proteins linked to cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and inflammatory conditions.
-
Promoting Coping Skills to Reduce Health Gaps in Teens and Young Adults
A study tests a shift-and-persist coping approach to help racial/ethnic minority teens and young adults handle stress and reduce risks for chronic disease.
-
Laser particle barcoding to track live cells and their omics in breast cancer
A new technique uses special laser-coded particles to follow individual breast cancer cells in real time while linking their live behavior to multi-omics data.
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.