Understanding how certain brain cells develop into oligodendrocytes
Official title: The Role of Notch Signaling in Shh-mediated Oligodendrocyte Fate Specification
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10997313 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain signals in the brain help stem cells decide to become specific types of cells, like those that support nerve function, instead of becoming nerve cells, which could help us understand brain development and diseases related to myelin.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $40,313 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS129289-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997313 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological conditions that involve oligodendrocyte dysfunction or myelin loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to oligodendrocyte development or myelin formation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that guide neural progenitor cells in the brain to differentiate into oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) instead of neurons during development. By focusing on the role of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling and the Notch pathway, the study aims to uncover the molecular processes that influence this transition. Using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers will analyze how these signals affect cell fate decisions in the developing mouse brain. The findings could provide insights into the fundamental biology of brain development and potential implications for diseases affecting myelin.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating conditions related to myelin damage, such as multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding cell signaling pathways in brain development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tran, Luuli — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Tran, Luuli
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how alcohol and how couples talk about consent affect intimate partner sexual violence
This project studies how alcohol use and how partners communicate about consent influence intimate partner sexual violence among sexual minority and heterosexual couples.
-
How proteins change and move as heart cells develop
This grant aims to map how protein turnover changes as human iPSCs turn into cardiomyocytes and other cell types, using new labeling and mass-spectrometry methods.
-
Center for Health, Work and Environment
A national center dedicated to improving health in people who work, by studying how jobs affect well-being and safety.
-
Subtyping Core for Research on the Causes of Type 2 Diabetes (SCORE-T2D)
A new U01 grant from a university research team aims to understand why Type 2 diabetes differs so much between people and how to tailor prevention and treatment.
-
Expanded antibody-based clues to TB risk in people with HIV
A clinician-scientist seeks to understand how antibodies in people with HIV may drive the progression from latent TB to active TB, with the goal of identifying clues that could guide future care.
-
Human Trisome Project in Latin America Network
A large, multi-site study of people with Down syndrome across Latin America to better understand health and aging in DS.
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.