Understanding how specific brain cells help clear debris in white matter degeneration.
Official title: Interrogating a white matter degeneration-specific astrocyte reactivity state and its role in governing repair-associated microglia specification and function.
Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11030312 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special brain cells work together to help clean up damage in the brain, which could lead to new treatments for people with Multiple Sclerosis and injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $617,886 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS128094-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030312 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from conditions that involve white matter degeneration, such as Multiple Sclerosis or those recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to white matter degeneration or those who do not have significant neuroinflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain brain cells, specifically astrocytes, interact with microglia to clear cellular debris in the central nervous system, particularly in conditions like Multiple Sclerosis and traumatic injuries. By using advanced techniques such as single-nucleus RNA sequencing and mouse models, the study aims to uncover the molecular pathways that enhance the brain's ability to repair itself after damage. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapies aimed at improving debris clearance and reducing inflammation in the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the brain's repair mechanisms and improve outcomes for patients with white matter degeneration.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of astrocytes and microglia in brain repair, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burda, Joshua Evan — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Burda, Joshua Evan
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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.