Understanding how UNC-13 influences neurotransmitter release in the brain
Official title: Leveraging the genetics and biochemistry of UNC-13 to uncover mechanisms driving neurotransmitter secretion
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10911831 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called UNC-13 to understand how it helps brain cells communicate by releasing important chemicals, and it's being done using tiny worms to learn more about how problems with this protein might be connected to brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2023 |
| Project end | November 16, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS130894-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911831 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological or developmental disorders linked to neurotransmitter release abnormalities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with unrelated neurological conditions or those not affected by neurotransmitter release issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a key protein called UNC-13 in the process of neurotransmitter secretion, which is essential for communication between brain cells. By using a model organism, C. elegans, the researchers will explore how UNC-13 interacts with other proteins to facilitate the release of neurotransmitters from nerve cells. The study employs various techniques, including genetic manipulation, behavioral analysis, and imaging, to uncover the mechanisms behind synaptic transmission. The findings could provide insights into neurological disorders linked to mutations in the UNC-13 gene.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of neurological disorders and potential new treatments for conditions caused by neurotransmitter release dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding synaptic transmission mechanisms, but this specific approach focusing on UNC-13 is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shahanoor, Ziasmin — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Shahanoor, Ziasmin
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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.