How genes linked to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions change the developing brain
Cross Scale Interrogation of NPD Genes (SING) in mice
This work looks at how removing genes tied to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions changes brain cells, wiring, and behavior in mice to help people with those conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258977 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will delete 100 genes linked to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders in mice and follow changes across development. They will measure gene activity in single cells and map where genes are active in brain tissue, scan brain anatomy and circuits with MRI and high-resolution 3D mapping, and record mouse behaviors. The team combines high-throughput methods and integrated data analysis to connect molecular and cellular changes to circuit and behavioral outcomes. Results aim to reveal shared pathways that could guide future diagnostics and treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most relevant are individuals and families affected by neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, intellectual disability, epilepsy, or those with genetic variants linked to psychiatric conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to neurodevelopmental or psychiatric gene changes, or whose symptoms are driven solely by non-genetic environmental factors, may not see direct benefit from these mouse-focused experiments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could reveal shared biological pathways behind many neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions, pointing to targets for future diagnostics and therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous single-gene knockout and mouse-model studies have clarified mechanisms for some risk genes, but combining single-cell, spatial, MRI/3D mapping, and behavioral analysis across 100 genes at this scale is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Hershey, United States
- Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr — Hershey, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Yongsoo — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Kim, Yongsoo
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.