Understanding how neurons resist and recover from toxic chemicals
Official title: Neuronal subcellular mechanisms in susceptibility and resilience to toxic chemicals of concern
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11609312 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how brain cells fight back against harmful chemicals to help people survive exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $476,785 |
| NIH project number | 1R56NS144209-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11609312 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would include individuals at risk for neurotoxic exposure or patients with neurotoxic injury who could benefit from enhanced protective strategies in the future.
✕Less likely to help
People without current or potential exposure to neurotoxins may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project looks at what makes neurons better at staying alive after exposure to dangerous chemicals. Scientists will use cell cultures and animal studies to map the tiny, subcellular processes involved in neuronal resilience. They will test three categories of toxins, including metabolic disruptors, nerve agents, and convulsants, to see how neurons respond and protect themselves. The goal is to identify strategies that strengthen these natural defenses and improve recovery after neurotoxic injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new treatments that boost brain cell resilience after toxic exposures, potentially reducing brain injury and improving recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that neurons have intrinsic pro-survival pathways, but this project aims to define and augment them for broader protection.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Halpain, Shelley L — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Halpain, Shelley L
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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.