Understanding the diversity of nerve cells that control tongue muscles
Official title: Functional and Structural Diversity in Hypoglossal Motoneurons
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-10980529 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the different kinds of nerve cells that help control tongue muscles, which are important for things like swallowing and speaking, by examining newborn rats to learn how these cells work and what makes them unique.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $422,543 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC020889-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980529 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that impair tongue muscle function, such as neurological disorders or developmental issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no issues related to tongue muscle control or those who do not have neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the different types of nerve cells, known as hypoglossal motoneurons, that control the muscles of the tongue, which are essential for functions like swallowing, breathing, and speech. By examining the structure and function of these nerve cells in neonatal rats, the researchers aim to uncover how these cells vary in their properties and how these variations relate to their specific roles in muscle control. The study will involve detailed analysis of the nerve cells' morphology, electrical properties, and gene expression profiles to better understand their diversity and functionality.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for conditions affecting tongue muscle function, improving outcomes for patients with swallowing or speech difficulties.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on hypoglossal motoneurons is relatively novel, similar research on nerve cell diversity has shown promising results in understanding muscle control and developing therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fregosi, Ralph Frank — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Fregosi, Ralph Frank
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.