Understanding how myelin affects balance and movement control
Official title: How myelin regulates vestibular circuit function and balance behaviors
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11045780 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how losing myelin affects balance in people with multiple sclerosis, using zebrafish to see how this loss changes the way certain brain cells work, with the hope of finding ways to improve balance by restoring myelin.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $129,168 |
| NIH project number | 5K99DC021729-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045780 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with demyelinating conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, who experience balance issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without demyelinating diseases or those who do not experience balance problems may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of myelin in the functioning of neural circuits that control balance, particularly in conditions like multiple sclerosis where myelin is lost. Using zebrafish larvae as a model, the study will observe how myelin loss impacts balance behaviors and the responses of specific neurons in the vestibulospinal circuit. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind balance issues caused by demyelination and explore potential ways to restore myelin and improve balance. Through targeted experiments, the project will assess the effects of myelin loss and the potential for recovery through remyelination.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for balance disorders associated with demyelinating diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of myelin in neural function, but this specific approach using zebrafish is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Auer, Franziska — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Auer, Franziska
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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.