NIH-funded research R21 grant

How genes and the environment affect sensory processing issues

Official title: Gene by Environment Interactions in Sensory Processing Deficits

Funded at North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-11041023 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how your genes and the environment around you work together to affect how you process sensory information and respond to things, especially if you have autism or anxiety, so we can better understand these conditions and help improve your experiences.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorth Carolina State University Raleigh
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Raleigh, United States)
Project startFebruary 21, 2024
Project endJanuary 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$223,133
NIH project number5R21ES035835-02
Project IDNIH-11041023 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or anxiety who may experience sensory processing challenges.

Less likely to help

Patients without sensory processing issues or those not diagnosed with autism or anxiety may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how genetic and environmental factors interact to influence sensory processing and behavioral responses, particularly in conditions like autism and anxiety. By examining the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved, the study aims to uncover how these interactions contribute to sensory processing deficits. The research will involve assessing the impact of various environmental pollutants on neurodevelopment and sensory processing, providing insights into the biological underpinnings of these disorders. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how their genetic makeup and environmental exposures affect their sensory processing.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for diagnosing and treating sensory processing deficits in patients with neuro-psychiatric conditions.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding gene-environment interactions in neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • North Carolina State University Raleigh
    Raleigh, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kullman, Seth William — North Carolina State University Raleigh
  • Study coordinator: Kullman, Seth William

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.