Understanding how the body senses its position and movement
Official title: The electrical basis of proprioceptive signaling
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11128536 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain tiny channels in nerve cells help our bodies know where we are and how we're moving, especially in people with conditions like ALS or as we get older, and it hopes to find new ways to help those with spinal cord injuries and movement issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $476,507 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS135005-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128536 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, or age-related proprioceptive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to proprioceptive signaling or those without movement disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind proprioception, which is the body's ability to sense its position and movement. It focuses on how specific sodium channels in sensory neurons contribute to this process, particularly in conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and aging. By using advanced genetic targeting techniques, the study aims to clarify how these channels affect proprioceptor function and motor behavior. The findings could lead to new insights into recovery strategies for spinal cord injuries and other movement disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve treatment options for patients with movement disorders by enhancing our understanding of proprioception.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding proprioception and its implications for recovery from spinal cord injuries, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Griffith, Theanne Nicole — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Griffith, Theanne Nicole
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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.