Understanding how membrane factors influence the shape and function of brain cells
Official title: Sculpting Membrane Dynamics: Membrane-Remodeling Factors Shape Oligodendroglial Form and Function
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11027950 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain factors help brain cells called oligodendrocytes create the protective myelin sheaths around nerve fibers, which is important for sending signals in the brain, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with conditions related to myelin damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $458,189 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS140424-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11027950 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological diseases that involve myelin damage, such as multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to myelin function or those without neurological deficits may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific membrane-remodeling factors in the development and function of oligodendrocytes, which are crucial for forming myelin sheaths around nerve fibers in the central nervous system. By examining how these factors interact with actin and influence membrane dynamics, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind myelination and its impact on nerve signal transmission and behavior. Patients with myelin-related diseases may benefit from insights gained through this research, as it could lead to new therapeutic strategies for repairing or enhancing myelin function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for neurological conditions associated with myelin damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding membrane dynamics in other cell types, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Kae-Jiun — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Chang, Kae-Jiun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
HPV and pregnancy risk: a big study following 1,280 pregnancies
A large pregnancy study at UTMB looks at whether human papillomavirus (HPV) during pregnancy is linked to problems like preterm birth.
-
West African Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases
A national West African collaboration is studying how dangerous viruses spread between animals and people, with the goal of improving prevention and response.
-
West African Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases
A multi-country program in West Africa aims to better understand how emerging infectious diseases spread from animals to people and how to prevent outbreaks that could affect the U.S.
-
West Africa Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases
A patient-facing center in West Africa studies how emerging viruses spread to people and livestock so we can better protect communities and prevent outbreaks.
-
West African Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases
Aiming to understand and prevent emerging viruses in West Africa to protect people in the U.S. and globally.
-
West Africa Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases
A US-funded center in West Africa aims to better understand and prevent outbreaks of deadly viruses by studying how diseases spread between animals, people, and the environment.
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.