Computational study of sodium channels to understand autism and related conditions
Official title: Computational Studies of Molecular Medicine for Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels
Funded at University of Mississippi · NIH-11393617 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A computer-based study will explore how genetic changes in sodium channels may contribute to autism and other conditions, with the goal of guiding more precise treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Mississippi NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $383,008 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM160133-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393617 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with autism spectrum disorder or related channelopathy features where Nav channel mutations are suspected or identified.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Nav channel mutations or without conditions linked to these mutations may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses computer simulations to examine how mutations in voltage-gated sodium channels affect cell signals linked to autism and related disorders. By modeling how mutations alter channel function and interactions with cellular modifiers, researchers aim to map complex genotype-phenotype relationships. The work focuses on structural dynamics and how changes at the molecular level could lead to different clinical outcomes, with an eye toward precision therapies. The study is designed to generate insights that could inform future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for individuals with autistic disorder and associated channelopathies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could enable more targeted therapeutic approaches for autism and related conditions by clarifying how specific mutations influence channel behavior.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with Nav channels has shown that mutations can have complex and variable effects, supporting the potential value but also indicating the field is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Mississippi
University, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Jing — University of Mississippi
- Study coordinator: Li, Jing
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.