Understanding Nerve Swellings in Brain Injury and Diseases
Axonal Varicosity Dynamics in Central Neuron Mechanosensation and Injury
This research explores how tiny swellings on nerve fibers in the brain, called varicosities, form due to mechanical stress and contribute to conditions like Alzheimer's disease and brain injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11075219 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains contain delicate nerve fibers, and sometimes these fibers develop small swellings called varicosities, which can affect how our brain signals are sent. We are learning how mechanical stress, like that from a concussion, can immediately cause these varicosities to form in unmyelinated nerve fibers. We are also looking at how these varicosities might contribute to the long-term damage seen in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. By understanding the proteins that control these swellings, we hope to find new ways to protect nerve cells from damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to understand mechanisms relevant to individuals with Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, or multiple sclerosis.
Not a fit: Patients without conditions involving central nervous system axonal damage, such as Alzheimer's disease or traumatic brain injury, would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat nerve damage in conditions like Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, and multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have performed: This work builds upon initial discoveries by the same team regarding mechanical stress and varicosity formation, and it explores novel mechanisms involving specific proteins.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gu, Chen — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Gu, Chen
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 below.