Understanding how certain mutations enhance motor abilities
Official title: Mechanisms of Motor Superperformance
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10881494 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genetic changes can help improve movement and recovery from injuries, like strokes, in both people and mice, and it's especially interested in a specific gene that seems to make a difference.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $566,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS133439-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881494 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with motor dysfunction or those recovering from strokes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-motor related neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic mutations that can enhance motor performance in individuals and animals. By screening a large population of laboratory mice with random mutations, the study aims to identify specific genetic changes that lead to improved motor skills. The researchers are particularly focused on a mutation in the Rif1 gene, which has shown to improve recovery from motor-related injuries like strokes. This work utilizes advanced techniques such as CRISPR to explore the underlying mechanisms of motor superperformance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for motor dysfunction and improved recovery strategies for stroke patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that genetic mutations can enhance motor abilities, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pascual, Juan M. — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Pascual, Juan M.
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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.