Understanding how specific motor neurons control movement and breathing
Official title: Elucidating the Molecular and Functional Diversity of Axial Motor Neurons
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10998601 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain nerve cells that help us breathe and stand up develop and connect to muscles in mouse embryos, which could help us understand more about how these important movements work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2024 |
| Project end | September 9, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $76,756 |
| NIH project number | 1F32HD116654-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998601 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with motor disorders or conditions affecting muscle control and coordination.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with purely neurological conditions unrelated to motor neuron function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the axial neuromuscular system, which is crucial for essential motor behaviors like breathing and maintaining posture. The study aims to identify the molecular and functional diversity of motor neurons that control these movements, particularly focusing on how these neurons develop and connect to specific muscles. By using advanced techniques such as single nuclear RNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry, the research will characterize different types of motor neurons in mouse embryos, providing insights into their organization and function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of motor disorders affecting breathing and movement.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding motor neuron diversity and its implications for movement, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adams, Alexandra a — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Adams, Alexandra a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Actions to Decrease Disparities in Blood Pressure Control for Blacks
Aiming to help Black patients manage high blood pressure by using nurses, community health workers, and home monitoring in real-world clinics.
-
Blood-based markers to identify lung cancer risk in never-smokers
A researchers team at NYU School of Medicine is testing blood tests that might flag higher lung cancer risk in people who have never smoked, helping decide who might need screening.
-
Oxytocin's effect on social brain function in autistic adults
A group at NYU School of Medicine studies how oxytocin affects social thinking and brain activity in adults with autism.
-
COVID-19 healthcare disruptions and heart health inequities in NYC adults with multiple conditions
This project looks at how COVID-19-related gaps in care affected heart health in adults with several chronic conditions in New York City.
-
Connecting TDP-43 Pathology to Molecular Profiles in Neurodegeneration
This grant explores how specific molecular patterns in brain tissue relate to ALS and Alzheimer’s disease features, aiming to improve understanding of disease subtypes and progression.
-
INOCA-mobile heart rehab for angina and breathlessness
A mobile health-based cardiac rehabilitation program is being tested to help people with INOCA feel better and move more.
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.