Understanding how motor neurons mature
Transcriptional Control of Motor Neuron Maturation
This study is looking at how motor neurons, which help control our muscles and movement, grow and develop, with the hope of finding ways to make immature nerve cells more mature for better research on diseases like ALS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10794944 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the processes that lead to the maturation of motor neurons, which are crucial for muscle control and movement. By studying gene expression and chromatin changes in motor neurons from mouse spinal cords, the researchers aim to identify key factors that influence neuronal maturation. The ultimate goal is to develop methods to reprogram immature stem cell-derived motor neurons into a more mature state, which could provide better models for studying neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This work could enhance our understanding of how these neurons function and how they can be effectively studied in the lab.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or those interested in neurodegenerative disease research.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to motor neuron diseases or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved models for studying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and potentially new therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding neuronal maturation and its implications for neurodegenerative diseases, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wichterle, Hynek — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Wichterle, Hynek
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 below.