How dividing brain stem cells shape the developing brain
Abscission regulation of corticogenesis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-11174210
This project looks at whether the timing and leftovers of the last step of cell division in developing brain stem cells change how many and what kinds of neurons are made, which may help explain some forms of autism.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11174210 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work uses mouse models and lab-grown neural stem cells to watch the final step of cell division, called abscission, as the developing cortex forms. The team measures how long abscission takes and how long midbody remnants persist, and they use genetic and cell-biological tools to speed up or slow these processes. They image and analyze single neural stem cell divisions both in tissue and in culture to link abscission behavior with whether daughter cells keep dividing or become neurons. The goal is to connect these basic cellular events to developmental changes relevant to neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is a laboratory-based project that does not enroll patients; it primarily uses mouse models and cultured neural stem cells rather than volunteer participants.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic science study in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal fundamental causes of some neurodevelopmental differences and point to new directions for early diagnosis or future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has linked cell division defects to brain size and neurodevelopmental disorders, but focusing on abscission timing and midbody remnants is a relatively new and emerging area.
Where this research is happening
CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA — CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DWYER, NOELLE D — UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- Study coordinator: DWYER, NOELLE D
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.
Conditions: Autistic Disorder