Understanding how nerve cell branches develop and regenerate
Official title: Dendrite development, function, degeneration and regeneration
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10886405 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny branches on nerve cells grow and repair themselves, which is important for how our brain communicates, and it could help us understand and find new treatments for conditions like autism and Down's syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2032 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $676,090 |
| NIH project number | 1R35NS137312-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886405 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with autism spectrum disorder or related neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological disorders not related to dendrite development may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the development and regeneration of dendrites, which are essential for neuron communication. By using Drosophila genetics, the team aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that govern dendrite formation and organization. The findings could reveal how these processes are linked to neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and Down's syndrome. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating neurological disorders associated with dendrite defects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding dendrite development in model organisms, suggesting potential for similar breakthroughs in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jan, Yuh Nung — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Jan, Yuh Nung
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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.