How genes shape thinking and brain development in autism, ADHD, and mood disorders
Cognitive Genomics as a Window on Neurodevelopment and Psychopathology
Researchers are searching for genetic links to thinking and memory problems in adults with autism, ADHD, and mood disorders to better understand why these issues happen.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Feinstein Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhasset, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11243550 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project compares DNA from many adults with measures of thinking, memory, and attention to find genetic factors tied to cognitive difficulties seen in autism, ADHD, and mood disorders. Teams use large-scale genome-wide analyses and exome sequencing to spot common and rare gene variants linked to cognitive performance. They also look for overlap between genes for cognition and genes tied to psychiatric conditions to understand shared biology. The goal is to pinpoint biological pathways that could guide future tests or treatments for cognitive problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults (21+) with diagnosed autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or affective (mood) disorders who can provide DNA samples and complete cognitive testing or questionnaires.
Not a fit: Children under 21, people without cognitive concerns, or anyone seeking immediate clinical treatment changes are unlikely to get direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal biological causes of cognitive difficulties and point to new targets for treatments or more personalized care.
How similar studies have performed: Previous large genetic studies, including a GWAS of over 370,000 people and exome sequencing, have found many gene links to cognitive performance, though turning those findings into treatments remains early.
Where this research is happening
Manhasset, United States
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research — Manhasset, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lencz, Todd — Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Lencz, Todd
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.