Understanding how glial cells develop and maintain their types in C. elegans
Official title: Regulatory Architecture of Glia Cell Type Diversity in C. Elegans
Funded at Columbia Univ New York Morningside · NIH-11056159 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how different types of support cells in the nervous system of tiny worms called C. elegans are formed and how they keep doing their jobs throughout the worm's life, which could help us learn more about these cells in our own health and diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $370,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS137594-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056159 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals with neurological conditions that involve glial cell dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to glial cell function or those not involving the nervous system may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that determine the diversity and identity of glial cell types in the nervous system of the model organism C. elegans. By examining the gene regulatory processes that differentiate these cells, the study aims to uncover how glial cells maintain their specific functions throughout the life of the organism. The research utilizes advanced genetic techniques to manipulate and observe the expression of key proteins involved in glial cell development. Insights gained from this work could enhance our understanding of glial cells' roles in health and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into glial cell functions, potentially informing treatments for neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While research on neuronal cell types has shown success, the specific focus on glial cell diversity in C. elegans is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia Univ New York Morningside
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hobert, Oliver — Columbia Univ New York Morningside
- Study coordinator: Hobert, Oliver
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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.