Understanding how spinal cord neurons coordinate body movement
Official title: Longitudinal structure of spinal premotor circuits
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11005018 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain nerve cells in the spinal cord of baby zebrafish work together to help control movement, which could lead to better understanding and treatments for people with movement disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $349,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS130483-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005018 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with movement disorders or spinal cord injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to spinal cord function or movement coordination may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-range circuits of spinal neurons that are crucial for coordinating movement in animals. By using advanced techniques like optogenetic activation and whole-cell recording, the researchers aim to map how different spinal neuron populations interact and change their connections as they ascend or descend in the spinal cord. The study focuses on specific neuron types in larval zebrafish, which serve as a model to understand these complex neural circuits. Patients may benefit from insights gained about spinal cord function and potential treatments for movement disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating movement disorders by enhancing our understanding of spinal cord neuron interactions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in mapping neural circuits in model organisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bagnall, Martha W — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Bagnall, Martha W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using MRI to measure brain oxygen levels as an early sign of small vessel disease in the brain
This study is looking at how measuring oxygen levels in the brain with MRI can help spot early signs of small vessel disease, which is linked to memory problems and dementia, especially Alzheimer's, so if you're at risk due to age or high blood pressure, you might be able to participate in MRI scans to learn more about
-
Advanced Methods & Modeling for Better Patient Care
A funding opportunity focused on developing new modeling methods to improve health care for patients through better data use and analytics.
-
Advanced methods and modeling for health research at Washington University
A health research grant at Washington University funds new modeling methods to support future patient-focused studies.
-
Center for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology, Surveillance and Pathogenesis
A NIH program will study and monitor emerging viruses from the Midwest U.S. and three Asian sites to understand how they spread and affect people.
-
How Poverty and the Environment Affect Heart Disease in Haiti and Beyond
This grant studies how poverty-related factors like food insecurity, stress, and pollution contribute to heart disease and aims to follow a large group of adults to better understand and prevent the disease.
-
Wearable tech to track blood loss during childbirth
A wearable device monitors cardiovascular signals to detect postpartum hemorrhage early so clinicians can act quickly to protect mothers.
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.