Duplicated genes and their role in brain development and autism
Human gene duplications in neurodevelopment and disease
This project looks at duplicated human genes to understand how they might change brain development and contribute to autism-related features.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11172422 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use the new complete human genome maps and improved computer methods to find duplicated genes that act during early brain development. They will test the functions of selected genes by turning off similar genes in zebrafish with CRISPR and by adding human versions to watch effects on brain growth, wiring, and synapse function. The team will run many genes in parallel so they can find which duplicates cause changes linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. Results will help connect specific duplicated genes to biological changes that matter for autism.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions, especially those with rare genetic duplications or copy-number changes, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People whose autism has no genetic duplications or whose condition is driven mainly by non-genetic factors may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new genes and biological pathways behind autism and point to targets for better diagnosis or future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior studies have linked individual duplicated genes to brain development, but this large-scale testing using the complete human genome and parallel zebrafish experiments is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dennis, Megan Y — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Dennis, Megan Y
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.