Understanding how specific brain cells contribute to multiple sclerosis
Official title: Identification of regulatory mechanisms operating in rare pathogenic astrocyte subsets in multiple sclerosis with a novel genomic technology
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10894105 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special brain cells called astrocytes to see how they might affect multiple sclerosis, using a new method to understand their unique traits and how they contribute to the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $556,336 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS130876-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894105 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, particularly those exhibiting specific disease characteristics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurological disorders or those without a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on identifying and analyzing rare subsets of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, that play a significant role in multiple sclerosis. Using a novel technique called SEARCH-seq, researchers will isolate these cells and study their genetic and molecular characteristics. The study aims to understand how these astrocytes, particularly those with a specific genetic marker, contribute to disease progression in multiple sclerosis. By combining advanced genomic technologies with mouse models and human samples, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms of disease pathology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and potential therapeutic targets for treating multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced genomic technologies to study brain cell subsets, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abate, Adam R. — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Abate, Adam R.
Related research
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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.