Understanding how sensory neuron cilia regenerate after damage
Official title: Mechanisms of chemosensory neuron cilia regeneration
Funded at Brandeis University · NIH-10976106 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tiny hair-like structures in our nose and eyes can heal and grow back after being damaged, especially by infections like COVID-19, to help improve our sense of smell and vision, which could lead to better treatments for people who have lost their sense of smell.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brandeis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waltham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $434,411 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DC021440-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10976106 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have experienced loss of smell or vision due to viral infections or other conditions affecting sensory neurons.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with sensory impairments not related to cilia damage or those with irreversible sensory loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the regeneration of sensory neuron cilia, which are crucial for our sense of smell and vision. It focuses on how these cilia, which can be damaged by infections like COVID-19, can regrow and restore their function. By studying the cellular processes involved in cilia regeneration, the research aims to uncover the biological signals that promote healing and recovery in sensory neurons. This could lead to new insights into treating conditions like anosmia, which is the loss of smell.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from anosmia and other sensory impairments.
How similar studies have gone: While the regeneration of cilia in unicellular organisms has shown success, the specific mechanisms in human sensory neurons remain largely untested and novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Brandeis University
Waltham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sengupta, Piali — Brandeis University
- Study coordinator: Sengupta, Piali
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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.