How astrocytes influence brain remodeling in autism
Official title: How do astrocytes promote neuronal remodeling?
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11446875 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist at Oregon Health & Science University is studying how support cells in the brain called astrocytes affect the reshaping of neural connections in autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $507,491 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS146895-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11446875 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to current participants; this is a basic science grant using model systems with implications for autism.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation is involved in this stage.
What this research studies
This project looks at how astrocytes interact with neurons to remodel brain wiring during development using fruit-fly models, with the hope of translating the findings to people with autism. The team will investigate the cellular signals and pathways that guide the removal of excess synapses and neurons. The goal is to map how astrocyte-neuron communication contributes to healthy brain maturation and how disruptions may relate to autistic features. Results could point to new ideas for therapies that target glial signaling during early development. Participation would involve researchers and potentially future human studies if findings translate to clinical questions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding astrocyte roles could guide future strategies to support healthy brain development in autism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests glial signaling influences neuronal remodeling, but this project explores species-specific programs in astrocyte-neuron interactions.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Freeman, Marc R — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Freeman, Marc R
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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.