Understanding how the brain's extracellular matrix affects behavior and plasticity
Official title: Revealing the extensive structural features and regulatory process of the brain’s ECM
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10952153 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special part of the brain called the extracellular matrix, which helps brain cells work properly, and it's using a new tool to see how this matrix changes and interacts with different brain cells, hoping to learn more about how our brains function and what might go wrong in certain conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $228,840 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH137591-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10952153 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing age-related cognitive decline or neurological conditions that affect behavior and plasticity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute neurological injuries or those not experiencing any cognitive or behavioral issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain's extracellular matrix (ECM), which is crucial for various brain functions, including neuronal plasticity and behavior. Using a novel live-cell probe called H-Link, the study aims to visualize and understand how the ECM is structured and regulated in real-time. By examining how different types of neurons interact with the ECM, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind its organization and remodeling, which could lead to insights into brain function and dysfunction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of brain function and lead to new treatments for neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the ECM in other tissues, suggesting potential success in this novel approach for brain ECM.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Sung Jin — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Park, Sung Jin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Evaluating a new injectable contraceptive for women
This study is testing a new long-lasting birth control shot called levonorgestrel butanoate, especially for women who are overweight and at risk for blood clots, to see if it works well and is safe without the added hormones found in other methods.
-
Understanding how cells respond to changes in membrane tension
This study looks at how yeast cells react when their outer layer gets stretched or squeezed due to changes in their environment, helping us understand how they stay healthy and function properly.
-
A program to lead and conduct clinical trials for gastrointestinal cancers.
This study is all about finding better treatments for gastrointestinal cancers, and it invites patients to join exciting clinical trials at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, where expert doctors are working together to discover new therapies that could help improve their health.
-
New treatment for high phosphate levels in kidney disease patients
This study is testing a new way to help people with chronic kidney disease and those on dialysis lower their high phosphate levels in the blood by using special materials that can quickly and safely remove excess phosphate, offering a better option than current treatments.
-
Testing new treatments to help manage epilepsy
This study is looking at new treatments and devices to help people with epilepsy, especially those who have trouble with their current medications, to see if they can better control their seizures and improve their daily lives.
-
Exploring how flexible emotion regulation affects stress and emotional disorders in ethnic minority college students
This study looks at how college students from different ethnic backgrounds handle their feelings when faced with everyday stress, like discrimination and money worries, to see how this affects their anxiety and depression, and it aims to provide helpful insights for them.
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.