How brain development is influenced by alternative splicing and epigenetic regulation
Official title: Alternative Splicing Directed Epigenetic Regulation in Brain Development
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11039636 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called DPF2 changes during brain development and how these changes help control the growth of brain cells, which could help us understand more about how our brains develop and work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $236,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS140948-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039636 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research are individuals with developmental brain disorders or those interested in the biological mechanisms of brain development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed brains and no neurological concerns may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of alternative splicing in the regulation of brain development. It focuses on how a specific protein, DPF2, changes its form during brain development and how this affects the regulation of genes involved in neuron formation. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR/Cas9, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms behind these changes and their impact on neuronal maturation. This could provide insights into the fundamental processes that govern brain development and function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for addressing developmental brain disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of splicing in brain development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nazim, Mohammad — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Nazim, Mohammad
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how genetic changes in blood cells relate to heart disease in people with HIV
A study will look at how age-related blood cell mutations and large chromosomal changes might contribute to heart disease risk in people living with HIV.
-
Systems genetics of vascular smooth muscle phenotypes in heart disease
Aims to understand how genetic differences influence vascular smooth muscle cells to improve prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease.
-
Motivation for Alcohol Use in Humans and How It Can Be Measured
This grant explores how people are motivated to drink alcohol and tests a safe, controlled way to study that motivation to inform better treatments for alcohol use disorder.
-
Overcoming CAR T cell resistance with tumor-targeted IL-12 to boost anti-tumor immunity
Aims to make CAR T cell therapy work better for solid tumors by using tumor-focused IL-12 to boost the body’s attack on cancer.
-
PediCODE: A Biorepository and Consortium for CoDE - Congenital Diarrhea and Enteropathy
A nationwide effort to collect clinical data and patient-derived samples to uncover the genetic causes of congenital diarrhea and enteropathy and to build a resource that helps researchers study these diseases.
-
Mentor Moms+: a community-led plan to cut alcohol use and HIV risk during pregnancy in South Africa
A community-based program adapts a trusted peer-led model to help pregnant and lactating people reduce alcohol use and HIV risk in South Africa.
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.