Changes in chandelier brain cells in autism
Cortical and subcortical chandelier cell pathophysiology and symptomatology in autism
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-11239784
This work looks at whether changes in tiny brain cells called chandelier cells across several brain regions relate to symptoms in people with autism.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11239784 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers examine human brain tissue from people with and without autism to count chandelier cells and measure GABA-related markers in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and other areas. They compare cell numbers and molecular features across regions and link those findings to the patients' symptom histories. The team will also test whether fewer chandelier cells in the dentate gyrus relates to lower rates of new neuron formation. Findings come from detailed lab analyses of donated postmortem tissue and associated clinical records.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autism who are willing to participate in brain-donation programs or share detailed medical and symptom histories for correlation with tissue findings.
Not a fit: People who cannot or do not want to donate brain tissue or who need immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify biological drivers of autism symptoms and point to new targets for therapies or biomarkers.
How similar studies have performed: The investigators' earlier work already found fewer chandelier cells and GABA system changes in autistic prefrontal cortex, but linking those changes across brain regions to symptom severity is a new step.
Where this research is happening
DAVIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS — DAVIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MARTINEZ-CERDENO, VERONICA — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- Study coordinator: MARTINEZ-CERDENO, VERONICA
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 below.