Understanding how specific glutamate receptors affect movement in zebrafish
Official title: Dissecting the roles of glutamatergic receptor subtypes in spinal locomotor circuit function
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11051264 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain receptors in the spinal cord of baby zebrafish help control their movement, using special techniques to see how they work, and the results could help us understand movement in other animals too.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $193,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS134170-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051264 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions affecting motor function or those interested in the underlying mechanisms of locomotion.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-motor related conditions or those not affected by glutamatergic signaling may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the roles of different types of glutamate receptors in the spinal cord of zebrafish, which are crucial for movement. By using advanced techniques like optogenetics, pharmacology, and calcium imaging, the researchers aim to uncover how these receptors influence the spinal locomotor circuits that control rhythmic movements. The study focuses on larval zebrafish, providing insights that could be relevant to understanding locomotion in other vertebrates. The findings may help identify specific neuronal targets for future therapeutic interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating movement disorders by targeting specific glutamate receptors.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding the roles of glutamate receptors in various neurological functions, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Masino, Mark a — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Masino, Mark a
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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.