How a neuron-specific histone-methylation complex affects brain development and autism
A Neuron-specific Methyl-histone Regulatory Complex
This research looks at a neuron-only protein complex that controls gene activity in brain cells to better understand causes of autism and related developmental conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11225244 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies a neuron-only protein complex that helps control which genes are turned on or off during brain development. Researchers will examine neuron-specific splicing of genes such as LSD1 and PHF21A, how the neuron transcription factor MYT1L recruits the complex, and how non-CpG DNA methylation interacts with the complex. They will compare the canonical and neuron-specific forms of the complex, study DNA-binding partners like BRAF35, and use biochemical, genomic, and neuronal-structure experiments to see how these changes influence synapse formation. By linking these molecular changes to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, the work aims to clarify why the brain is especially sensitive to mutations in chromatin regulators.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autism spectrum disorder or other neurodevelopmental conditions, especially those with known mutations in chromatin-regulator genes, would be most relevant to the findings of this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not linked to chromatin regulator mutations or who need immediate clinical therapies may not see direct benefits from this basic laboratory research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular targets and pathways that lead to new diagnostics or therapeutic strategies for autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have identified neuron-specific variants of these proteins and shown effects on synapse formation, but translating these molecular discoveries into treatments remains at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iwase, Shigeki — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Iwase, Shigeki
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.