Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of California, San Diego received a $439,875 Project Grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) under the Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders program (CFDA 93.853). The award, effective June 15, 2026, with an ultimate completion date of May 31, 2028, funds basic neuroscience research investigating cholinergic regulation of epidermal neurons. The research focuses on understanding how acetylcholine and muscarinic acetylcholine type 1 receptors constrain sensory neuron growth in the peripheral nervous system and the role of keratinocytes in this regulatory mechanism.

The project examines the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which acetylcholine suppresses neurite outgrowth from peripheral sensory neurons, with particular emphasis on identifying endogenous sources of acetylcholine and characterizing its sites of action in vivo. This fundamental research has potential implications for developing therapeutic approaches to promote neuronal survival and axonal regeneration following physical injury or toxic exposure. The work represents translational neuroscience research aimed at elucidating growth constraint mechanisms in order to enhance peripheral nerve recovery and prevent nerve degeneration.