How cell adhesion molecules shape brain circuits and behavior
Molecular coordination of adhesion molecules in foraging behaviors and circuits
Researchers are using a tiny worm to learn how genes that help brain cells stick together influence circuits and behaviors linked to autism, with the goal of informing help for people with autistic disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145196 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses the nematode C. elegans as a simple, tractable system to examine conserved genes tied to neurodevelopmental disorders. Scientists manipulate and compare many related genes and even single gene isoforms to see how they affect single neurons, neural circuits, and behaviors such as foraging. The work focuses on synaptic cell adhesion molecules like neurexins and neuroligins and looks for molecular mechanisms and genetic interactions that shape experience-dependent plasticity. Results aim to link specific gene functions to changes in circuit activity and behavior at a resolution hard to achieve in larger animals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll people directly; its findings could ultimately be relevant to people diagnosed with autistic disorder.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate new treatments are unlikely to benefit directly because the research is basic, lab-based work in worms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal how autism-associated genes alter brain wiring and behavior, pointing to new targets for diagnosis or future therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and cell studies have linked neurexins and neuroligins to synapse function, but this broad, single-cell and multi-gene approach in C. elegans is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hart, Michael P — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Hart, Michael P
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.