Genetic clues to developmental stuttering in people of all ages
Official title: Developmental stuttering: Population-based genetic discovery
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11609221 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large-scale genetic study aims to uncover genes linked to developmental stuttering across diverse ages, using family data, electronic records, and biobank information.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $718,261 |
| NIH project number | 2R56DC017175-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11609221 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with developmental stuttering or at risk due to family history, across a wide age range.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without stuttering or related phenotypes may not directly benefit from this genetic discovery.
What this research studies
This project builds on extensive population-based work to map genetic factors associated with stuttering, including international participant resources and large-scale data analyses. It uses modern genetic approaches and linked health records to identify DNA variants that contribute to stuttering risk. The work aims to clarify why stuttering patterns differ by sex and how genetics influence speech development over the lifespan. If successful, these findings could guide future therapies and early interventions for people who stutter.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of the genetic basis of stuttering could lead to targeted therapies and earlier, personalized support for individuals who stutter.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies identified multiple genetic loci linked to stuttering and demonstrated the feasibility of large-scale GWAS.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Below, Jennifer — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Below, Jennifer
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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.