Understanding how signals in the nervous system lead to the removal of damaged neurons
Official title: Regulation and recognition of eat-me signals in the nervous system
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11133550 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special signal in the nervous system helps immune cells clean up damaged brain cells, using fruit flies to learn more about this process and how it affects brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $525,313 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS138421-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133550 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurodegenerative conditions or those at risk of developing such diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute neurological injuries or those not experiencing neurodegeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which certain signals in the nervous system, specifically phosphatidylserine (PS), prompt immune cells called phagocytes to remove damaged neurons. Using advanced models in fruit flies, the study aims to uncover how PS is recognized by these immune cells and how this process affects the health and maintenance of neural connections. By exploring the role of a specific protein, Orion, in this signaling pathway, the research seeks to provide insights into the balance between neuron removal and preservation in the nervous system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases by enhancing our understanding of neuronal maintenance and repair.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell interactions with neurons, but this specific approach using Drosophila models is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Chun — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Han, Chun
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.