Understanding how COVID-19 affects the sense of smell and the brain in mice
Official title: Mechanisms of anosmia and brain infection in a genetic mouse model of COVID-19
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10994608 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how COVID-19 can cause loss of smell and possibly affect the brain by using specially modified mice, which could help us understand why some people experience these symptoms and what it means for their health in the long run.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | December 5, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $691,863 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC020980-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994608 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced anosmia or neurological symptoms following COVID-19 infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with COVID-19 or do not exhibit symptoms related to anosmia or neurological issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how COVID-19 leads to loss of smell (anosmia) and potential brain infection using a genetically modified mouse model. The study focuses on the olfactory epithelium, which is believed to be a key entry point for the virus, and examines how the virus affects different cell types in the brain. By using mice that express human ACE2, the research aims to identify the mechanisms behind anosmia and the neurological impacts of COVID-19. This could provide insights into the long-term effects of the virus on patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients experiencing long-term loss of smell and neurological symptoms after COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the neurological impacts of COVID-19, but this specific approach using genetically modified mice is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Millar, Sarah E. — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Millar, Sarah E.
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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.