Understanding how certain proteins affect brain cell connections and maintenance
Official title: Investigating the Role of cnb-1 and chpf-1 in GABA DD Motor Neuron Remodeling and Synapse Maintenance
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11062527 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help shape connections in the brain, using tiny worms as a model, to better understand what might go wrong in conditions like autism and schizophrenia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | March 21, 2023 |
| Project end | March 20, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,260 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS132495-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062527 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by autism spectrum disorders or schizophrenia, particularly those interested in the biological mechanisms behind these conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological disorders not related to synaptic remodeling may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific proteins in the remodeling of synaptic connections in the brain, particularly focusing on GABAergic motor neurons in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. By studying these proteins, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could be disrupted in neurological disorders like autism and schizophrenia. The approach involves genetic manipulation and observation of neuronal changes, which may provide insights into how synapses are formed and maintained during brain development. This work could lead to a better understanding of the underlying causes of certain neurological conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating or preventing neurological disorders linked to synaptic remodeling.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding synaptic mechanisms in simpler organisms, suggesting potential for breakthroughs in human neurological conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Sam — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Liu, Sam
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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.