How different brain cells build and mature their connections
Identifying mechanisms ofsynapse maturation at neuronal subtype resolution
This project looks at how connections between specific types of brain cells develop, to help explain autism and other brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195234 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map the proteins that make up synapses (the connections between brain cells) as the brain develops, focusing on differences across many neuron subtypes. They will combine detailed synapse protein measurements with single-cell gene activity data to see how maturation differs by cell type. The team will search for genes, like ARHGEF5, that control these maturation steps and test their roles in lab models. Results aim to link molecular changes to the kinds of brain-circuit problems seen in autism and related conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autism spectrum disorder or other neurodevelopmental or brain disorders, and donors of brain tissue or biospecimens, would be the most relevant participants for related specimen or future translational studies.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments or those with conditions unrelated to brain development are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular targets for new diagnostics or treatments for autism and other brain disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has mapped synaptic proteins and single-cell gene patterns separately, but combining detailed synaptic proteomics with cell-type RNA data at this resolution is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Li — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Li
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.