How BAI adhesion receptors help build and reshape brain connections
BAI Adhesion-GPCRs: Key Regulators of Synapse Development and Plasticity in Health and Disease
This project seeks to understand whether BAI adhesion receptor proteins help form and remodel connections between brain cells to improve knowledge about autism and related brain conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11327274 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The research team will examine BAI family adhesion-GPCR proteins that guide how neurons connect and change over time, using laboratory experiments on cells and animal models and molecular analyses. They will study specific protein pieces (like the N-terminal and C-terminal fragments and the Stachel sequence) to see how signals turn these receptors on or off and affect synapse formation. The work connects molecular findings to brain wiring and behaviors linked to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. While mostly lab-based, the project draws on human genetics and disease links to make the findings relevant to patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autism spectrum disorder or related neurodevelopmental or psychiatric conditions would be the most relevant patients for future clinical work stemming from this research.
Not a fit: Because this is basic laboratory research, patients seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this grant itself.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new biological targets or biomarkers that eventually lead to treatments for autism and other neuropsychiatric conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Basic research over the past decade has shown A-GPCRs influence synapse biology, but translating these findings into therapies for autism is still largely untested and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tolias, Kimberly R — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Tolias, Kimberly 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.