How DNA-organizing proteins help neurons grow and connect
Chromatin insulator-mediated epigenetic regulation of neuronal remodeling during development.
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO · NIH-11290353
Researchers are looking at whether proteins that shape DNA structure help neurons mature and form correct connections, aiming to inform future treatments for conditions like autism.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (AMHERST, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11290353 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses fruit flies and mice to study how proteins that act like DNA "insulators" control the three-dimensional folding of the genome during neuron maturation. The team will use genetic experiments in animals together with genomic mapping tools to track how DNA organization and gene activity change as neurons prune and extend their branches. They focus on CTCF, a conserved insulator protein, and Shep, a partner protein that preliminary data suggest promotes neurite outgrowth. The work aims to link basic epigenetic mechanisms to ideas that could one day improve neuron repair or development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll people; its findings are intended to help people with autism spectrum disorder and related neuron-development conditions in the future.
Not a fit: Because this research uses animal models and basic molecular techniques, patients cannot gain direct clinical benefit from participating now and people with conditions unrelated to neuronal development are unlikely to be affected.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to encourage healthy neuron growth or maturation, which might eventually lead to therapies for autism and other neurological disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies have shown that altering chromatin regulators can change neuron development in model organisms, but translating those findings into human therapies remains early and largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
AMHERST, UNITED STATES
- STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO — AMHERST, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHEN, DAHONG — STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO
- Study coordinator: CHEN, DAHONG
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