Understanding how nerve cells find their targets during development
Official title: Regulating axon guidance through local translation at adhesions
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-11066511 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how growing nerve cells find their way to connect with the right partners in the nervous system, focusing on how outside signals help them do this by making proteins at specific spots, which is important for their growth and connections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $334,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS125146-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066511 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions affecting neuronal connectivity or development, such as congenital neurological disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed nervous systems and no neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which developing nerve cells, specifically their growth cones, navigate to connect with the correct targets in the nervous system. It focuses on how external signals influence the internal processes of these cells, particularly through local translation of proteins at specific adhesion sites called point contacts. By examining these processes, the research aims to uncover how these localized translations affect axon growth and guidance, which are crucial for proper neuronal connectivity. This work could lead to a better understanding of the fundamental processes that govern nerve cell development and function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into nerve cell development, potentially informing treatments for neurological disorders related to axon guidance.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of examining local translation at point contacts is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding axon guidance and neuronal connectivity.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Welshhans, Kristy — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Welshhans, Kristy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how altered citric acid cycle fuels may help kids and adults with Complex I mitochondrial disease
A small study will look at how changes in the citric acid cycle and a molecule called 2-HG affect people with Complex I–related mitochondrial disease, to identify potential new treatment strategies.
-
Confidential social network referrals to boost HIV testing
A new approach uses anonymous mobile-text referrals to encourage people at risk to get HIV tested.
-
How brain cells move and translate messages to stay healthy in Alzheimer’s and related dementias
A study to understand how RNA binding proteins affect the way brain cells transport and translate messages, which may influence Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
-
Adolescent neurobehavioral outcomes after early nutrition: follow-up of a Bangladeshi trial
This project follows up on children who received nutrient-rich supplements in early life to see how it affects their brain development and behavior during adolescence.
-
Adolescent neurobehavioral outcomes after early-life nutrition in a Bangladeshi cohort
This project follows up teens who were part of an early-life nutrition trial to see how their development and behavior look years later.
-
Brain-boosting blood pressure pathways as a treatment to prevent and treat HAND in aging people with HIV
This research tests whether medicines that affect the brain’s blood-vessel system can protect brain cells and reduce inflammation in people aging with HIV who have cognitive problems.
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.