How early brain myelination may affect thinking speed in 22q11.2 conditions
Postnatal mechanisms of cognitive development in mice
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER · NIH-11312590
Researchers are looking at whether changes in early brain myelination explain slowed thinking in people with 22q11.2 genetic changes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11312590 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project studies genetic changes linked to 22q11.2 using mouse models to learn how postnatal brain changes affect thinking speed. Researchers alter gene dose (for example, Tbx1) during the postnatal period and track myelination, oligodendrocyte production, and newborn neurons. They examine brain regions involved in processing speed, measure white-matter changes, and test mouse behaviors that reflect cognitive speed. The team aims to separate the roles of postnatal oligodendrogenesis and neurogenesis so future therapies can target the correct cellular process.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a 22q11.2 deletion or related gene variants who experience slowed thinking or cognitive processing difficulties would be most relevant to this line of research.
Not a fit: People without 22q11.2-related genetic changes or those whose cognitive issues are due to unrelated causes are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new biological targets to treat slowed thinking and related cognitive problems in people with 22q11.2 deletions or similar genetic risks.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies, including prior work from this group, have linked Tbx1 dose changes and altered myelination to behavioral deficits, but translating those findings into human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER — SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HIROI, NOBORU — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER
- Study coordinator: HIROI, NOBORU
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.