Understanding the causes of nerve damage in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
Official title: Pathogenesis in Segmental Demyelination
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-10663970 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how nerve damage happens in conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, using mice to understand how certain cells and calcium levels affect the protective covering around nerves, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with nerve issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $401,211 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS124813-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10663970 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, particularly those with genetic mutations affecting the FIG4 gene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with demyelinating conditions not related to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or those without the FIG4 mutation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the process of segmental demyelination, which is the loss of the protective myelin sheath around nerves, leading to impaired nerve function in conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. The study uses a mouse model with a specific genetic mutation to explore how increased calcium levels in Schwann cells and the presence of macrophages contribute to this demyelination. By examining these molecular mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to prevent or reverse nerve damage. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new treatments for demyelinating neuropathies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent or reverse nerve damage in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding demyelination mechanisms, but this specific approach using the FIG4-deficient model is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Bo — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Hu, Bo
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.