How granule cells in the cerebellum develop
Regulatory mechanisms of cerebellar lineage development
['FUNDING_R01'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY · NIH-11327321
Researchers are learning how tiny cerebellar granule cells form and change early in life to better understand conditions like autism and cerebellar hypoplasia.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11327321 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project studies the molecular switches that let granule cell precursors stop dividing and become mature granule cells, focusing on genes such as Atoh1, Ccnd1, Sin3A, and Insm1. The team uses laboratory models and molecular and epigenetic techniques to see how those genes are turned on and off during embryonic and early postnatal development. They link these basic mechanisms to human risks like prematurity and developmental brain differences that can lead to cerebellar hypoplasia and features of autism. The work is preclinical and aims to find steps in development that could become targets for future tests or therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work would be most relevant to families affected by cerebellar hypoplasia, people with autism linked to cerebellar differences, and parents of very preterm infants.
Not a fit: Because this is lab-based basic research rather than a clinical treatment trial, people seeking immediate medical therapies are unlikely to receive direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat cerebellar growth problems and related developmental symptoms in infants and children.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown Atoh1 and Ccnd1 shape granule cell development, but the role of Sin3A and Insm1 in epigenetic silencing and timely differentiation is a newer and early-stage finding.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY — Nashville, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHIANG, CHIN — VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: CHIANG, CHIN
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.
Conditions: Autistic Disorder