Early sleep problems and CHD8-linked autism
Developmental sleep disruption interacts with underlying CHD8 genetic vulnerability in autism spectrum disorder
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11144315
This project looks at whether sleep problems in early life make autism-related brain and behavior differences worse for people with CHD8 genetic risk.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11144315 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research uses animal models to mimic CHD8-related genetic vulnerability and to recreate sleep disruption that happens in early development. The team will disrupt sleep in young mice and fruit flies with CHD8-related changes and then measure social behavior, learning, and changes in synapses and brain circuits, with attention to sex differences. Results will show whether early sleep loss interacts with CHD8 risk to produce lasting autism-like features. The goal is to point toward whether better early sleep might lower the chance or severity of autism-related problems in people who carry CHD8 risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autism or families of young children who know they carry or are concerned about CHD8-related genetic risk, particularly infants or young children with sleep problems, would be most relevant to this line of research.
Not a fit: Patients without CHD8-related genetic risk or those seeking an immediate treatment are unlikely to get direct benefit from this lab-based project right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify early sleep as a modifiable factor that reduces autism-related symptoms in people with CHD8-related genetic risk.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown that early-life sleep disruption can cause lasting, sex-specific changes in social and cognitive behavior, but combining this with CHD8 genetic vulnerability is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DIERING, GRAHAM HUGH — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: DIERING, GRAHAM HUGH
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.
Conditions: Autistic Disorder