# Revealing the extensive structural features and regulatory process of the brain’s ECM

> **NIH NIH R21** · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · 2024 · $228,840

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
The brain ECM constitutes about 10-20% of the brain’s volume and plays a critical role in diverse brain
functions. In particular, the brain ECM regulates neuronal plasticity and behavior. Unlike collagen-based
peripheral ECMs, the structure of brain ECM is highly flexible and dynamically regulated by experience.
However, due to the technical limitations, the mechanism by which the brain’s ECM is organized and regulated
is poorly understood. We have developed a novel live-cell probe that labels hyaluronan-based brain ECM,
named H-Link. Sparse H-Link imaging shows that clustered ECM, such as perineuronal net (PNN), is not
limited to a specific neuronal type (PV interneurons) but also elaborately coats excitatory neurons in vivo and in
vitro. Furthermore, the application of H-Link to cultured neurons shows a striking specificity in ECM clustering
among different types of neurons and reveals its organization process on the neuronal surface, providing an
excellent platform for loss-of-function screens. Using this novel approach, we will identify cell-autonomous
neuronal ECM organizers and reveal the homeostatic and activity-dependent remodeling process of the brain’s
ECM. The tools and knowledge obtained from the proposed study will be a foundation for understanding the
cell-type-specific role of the brain’s ECM in neuronal plasticity and behavior.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10952153
- **Project number:** 1R21MH137591-01
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- **Principal Investigator:** Sung Jin Park
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $228,840
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-07-01 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10952153

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10952153, Revealing the extensive structural features and regulatory process of the brain’s ECM (1R21MH137591-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10952153. Licensed CC0.

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