GDF11’s role in brain development and autism-related disorders
Official title: Investigating the role of Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) in neurodevelopmental disorders
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11432464 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new NIH grant tests whether adjusting a growth factor called GDF11 can improve brain function and behaviors in models related to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $490,593 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS150458-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11432464 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children or young people with or at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders related to MECP2 alterations or GDF11-related abnormalities, in future translational contexts.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without these specific neurodevelopmental profiles may not benefit from this therapy approach.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a protein called GDF11, which helps regulate brain development and is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders like MECP2-related conditions. Using animal models and other preclinical systems, researchers will see if lowering or normalizing GDF11 levels improves behavioral symptoms after birth. They will also test an FDA-approved drug that inhibits GDF11 to see if it can reduce deficits in these models. The work aims to translate findings toward potential treatments for affected children, with a focus on measurable behavioral improvements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to a new treatment approach that improves brain function and behavior for some children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies have shown that adjusting GDF11 can modify related behavioral symptoms in mouse models, supporting further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bajikar, Sameer — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Bajikar, Sameer
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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.