Creating human brain mini-networks that connect the cortex and striatum
Assembly and characterization of human cortico-striatal neural networks
Researchers are growing human 3-D brain organoids that recreate cortex-to-striatum connections to learn how these circuits form and break in conditions like autism, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, schizophrenia, and depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11378868 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project makes 3-D "mini-brains" from human stem cells that separately model the cortex and the striatum and then connects them to form cortico-striatal networks. Scientists will profile the cell types, measure electrical activity and connectivity, and follow how these networks mature over time. The team will use samples and disease-relevant genetics (for example 22q13 deletion/Phelan-McDermid syndrome) to see what cellular or molecular changes disrupt connections. The system is intended to provide a human-based platform for testing mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with conditions tied to cortico-striatal dysfunction—such as autism (including 22q13 deletion/Phelan-McDermid syndrome), Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, schizophrenia, or major depression—or individuals willing to donate blood or skin samples for stem cell studies would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate symptom relief or an approved treatment are unlikely to benefit directly because this is lab-based organoid research rather than a clinical treatment trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal specific cellular and molecular causes of disrupted cortico-striatal circuitry and point to new targets for therapies across multiple brain disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Organoid and stem-cell models have successfully reproduced some human brain development and disease features, but creating and validating connected human cortex–striatal networks is relatively new and remains experimentally unproven as a therapy-predicting platform.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shcheglovitov, Oleksandr — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Shcheglovitov, Oleksandr
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.