Brain organoids to understand neurodevelopmental disorders
Official title: A Phenotypical Brain Organoids for Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11335564 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher will study patient-derived brain organoids to better understand how neurodevelopmental disorders develop and why they cause lifelong challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 5, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00NS125106-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11335564 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients whose neurodevelopmental conditions are linked to the studied genetic patterns and who can donate iPSC lines for organoid creation.
✕Less likely to help
Not all neurodevelopmental conditions will be explained by the specific genotypes studied, so benefits may vary.
What this research studies
This project uses human brain organoids made from patient-derived stem cells to explore how genetic factors shape brain development in neurodevelopmental disorders. It will compare organoids from hundreds of iPSC lines to identify patterns in cellular behavior and molecular changes. The study will apply omics techniques to map gene expression and regulatory changes, and will examine how environmental factors might influence development in these organoids. The work is designed to translate findings toward understanding patient conditions and informing future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could clarify why certain brain developmental problems occur and point toward targeted strategies for diagnosis or treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies using patient-derived brain organoids have shown they can model human brain development and disease features, supporting continued exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Lu — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Wang, Lu
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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.