Understanding how neurons keep their identity and function for life
Official title: Molecular mechanisms of terminal selector expression and function
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11605230 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how nerve cells maintain their distinctive identity and function from development through aging, using human-derived neurons and a simple worm model to uncover the long-term control of brain cell behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $549,240 |
| NIH project number | 2R56NS116365-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11605230 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with neurodevelopmental or neurological conditions linked to neuronal maintenance, or patients contributing human-derived neuronal samples or iPSC-derived neurons for research.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals without neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental concerns may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at terminal selectors, special transcription factors that help neurons keep their identity over a lifetime. By studying both C. elegans and human neurons derived from stem cells, researchers will map how these factors repress or activate gene programs to sustain neurotransmitter production and electrical activity. The work aims to reveal the molecular rules that prevent neurons from losing their identity as they age, which may relate to neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders. The study combines genetic approaches in worms with human cell models to uncover universal principles of neuronal maintenance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to new strategies to support neuronal health and prevent or treat aging-related brain disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in model organisms and human-derived neurons supports that transcription factors maintaining neuronal identity can influence disease-relevant pathways.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kratsios, Paschalis — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Kratsios, Paschalis
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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.