Understanding how the protective layers of the brain develop and function
Official title: Mechanisms regulating Meningeal Development and Function
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11099727 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord to see how they help keep our brains healthy by managing the fluid that cleans out waste, and it's using zebrafish to learn how things like age and diet might impact brain health and conditions like brain injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $246,540 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HD098273-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099727 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who may be experiencing neurodegenerative conditions or have suffered from acquired brain injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute neurological conditions unrelated to the mechanisms of meningeal function or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord, focusing on their role in maintaining brain health by regulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It aims to understand how these layers interact with blood vessels to clear metabolic waste, which is crucial for preventing neurodegeneration. Using zebrafish as a model, the study employs live imaging techniques to observe meningeal development and function in real-time. This approach allows researchers to explore how factors like age and diet may affect brain health and contribute to conditions such as acquired brain injury.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into preventing or treating neurodegenerative diseases by improving brain waste clearance mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain health through similar approaches, particularly in animal models like zebrafish, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Venero Galanternik, Marina — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Venero Galanternik, Marina
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.