How genes and the environment shape autism risk
Gene-Environment interactions in Autism
This project looks at how people’s genetic differences and common chemical exposures change brain cell development and may increase autism risk in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11224065 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team grows stem cells taken from people with and without autism into brain-like cells to see how their DNA controls gene activity. They expose those cells to environmental chemicals (for example bisphenol A) to find out whether exposure changes how regulatory DNA and transcription factors work. Genome-wide methods such as ATAC-seq are used to map which parts of the DNA are open and active and to link non-coding genetic variants to those changes. Findings are compared with animal models and genetic data to highlight the gene-environment interactions most likely to affect early brain development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would include children with autism, infants at increased familial risk, or adults willing to provide biological samples (like blood or skin) for stem cell studies.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly because this is laboratory-based research focused on mechanisms rather than offering current therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal specific gene-and-environment combinations that raise autism risk and point to ways to prevent harm or develop new therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and cell studies have shown that chemicals can alter gene regulation and produce autism-like changes, but combining human stem cells with detailed non-coding DNA analysis is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Corces, Victor G. — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Corces, Victor G.
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.