Understanding how climbing fiber signals influence brain activity outside the cerebellum
Official title: Instructive climbing fiber signals outside the cerebellum
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11039997 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain signals in the brain, usually linked to movement, might also help the part of the brain that processes touch and other senses, using mice to see how these signals change how we feel and respond to different sensations, which could help us find better treatments for sensory processing issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | February 20, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $196,296 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS136954-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039997 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with sensory processing disorders or related neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to sensory processing or those who do not have access to the research facilities may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how climbing fiber signals, which are traditionally associated with the cerebellum, may also play a role in the primary somatosensory cortex of the brain. By using advanced techniques like 2-photon microscopy, the researchers aim to explore how these signals can affect the plasticity of sensory input in mice. The study will involve activating specific brain pathways and observing the resulting changes in sensory representation, which could provide insights into how the brain processes and adapts to sensory information. Patients may benefit from understanding these mechanisms, which could inform future treatments for sensory processing disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing sensory processing and rehabilitation in patients with sensory deficits.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of climbing fibers in the cerebellum is well-established, the exploration of their effects outside the cerebellum is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
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University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hansel, Christian Robert — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Hansel, Christian Robert
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.