How a gene linked to autism and ADHD changes touch perception in the brain
Intersection of causal neurodevelopmental disorder risk genes, cortical circuit function, and cognitive processing required for behavioral adaptions
This work looks at how a gene tied to autism and ADHD shapes brain circuits that affect how people sense and respond to touch.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235870 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses a mouse model that carries a change in the SYNGAP1 gene, a gene found in some people with autism and ADHD, to learn how the brain builds and uses circuits for touch. Researchers measure how neurons in the brain's cortex connect and communicate, record brain activity in response to touch, and watch how mice behave when sensing things. They will test whether specific changes in synapses and circuit plasticity cause the altered touch-related behaviors. The goal is to connect the gene change to the sensory processing differences many people with neurodevelopmental disorders experience.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autism spectrum disorder or ADHD who experience atypical touch or other sensory-processing differences are the most likely to benefit from the findings.
Not a fit: Patients whose symptoms are unrelated to sensory or tactile processing, or whose condition is caused by different genes or mechanisms, may not see direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could pinpoint brain circuit mechanisms and targets that future treatments could try to correct touch-processing problems in autism and ADHD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies of SYNGAP1 and other neurodevelopmental disorder genes have linked synaptic and circuit changes to behavioral differences, but turning those findings into human therapies remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rumbaugh, Gavin R — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Rumbaugh, Gavin R
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.