How cortical interneurons develop into different types
The molecular and cellular basis of cortical interneuron divergence
This work looks at how genetic programs and signals from nearby neurons shape parvalbumin and somatostatin interneurons, with implications for people affected by brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249211 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map gene regulatory networks that guide two key types of cortical interneurons (parvalbumin and somatostatin) through development. They will manipulate important transcription factors and disease-linked genes and observe how those changes affect interneuron identity and where the cells settle in cortical layers, using laboratory models and computational analyses. The team will test mutations in laminar-specific genes such as Fezf2 and Tbr1 and use computational predictions to find molecules that alter these developmental events. Overall, the project aims to explain how intrinsic genetic programs and signals from neighboring pyramidal neurons create interneuron diversity and how disruptions can lead to brain disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with neurological conditions thought to involve cortical interneuron dysfunction or those willing to donate tissue or genetic samples for research would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: If you are seeking an immediate new treatment or short-term symptom relief, this basic science project is unlikely to provide direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal molecular targets and pathways that one day help prevent or treat brain disorders caused by interneuron dysfunction.
How similar studies have performed: Past basic research has successfully defined interneuron types and linked gene disruptions to disease, but applying gene regulatory network models to connect development to disease-causing mutations is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard Medical School — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fishell, Gordon J — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Fishell, Gordon J
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.