How IL-6 and SHANK3 changes affect brain connections in autism
Interleukin-6 induced synaptic dysgenesis in wild type vs. Shank3 mice
Researchers will briefly raise the immune protein IL-6 in young mice with a SHANK3 gene change to look for worsening of autism-like brain wiring and behaviors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11300958 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses mice that carry a SHANK3 gene alteration linked to Phelan-McDermid/22q13 deletion and gives short doses of the immune protein IL-6 shortly after birth. The team will compare mice with one SHANK3-altered copy to normal mice, treating them with either IL-6 or a harmless solution and then tracking social interaction, repetitive behaviors, communication, and learning as they mature. Researchers will also examine brain synapses and cells to see how early IL-6 exposure changes neural connections at the cellular level. The goal is to model how a brief immune event during early development might interact with genetic vulnerability to produce autism-related changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with SHANK3-related autism (Phelan-McDermid syndrome) or families affected by 22q13 deletion who are interested in research on gene–environment causes may find this work most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients without SHANK3 or 22q13-related autism and those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to directly benefit from this preclinical mouse research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify how early immune events and SHANK3-related genetics combine to produce autism traits, guiding future prevention or targeted therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal work has linked maternal IL-6 or immune activation to autism-like outcomes, but combining IL-6 exposure with a SHANK3 genetic model is a new, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levison, Steven W — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Levison, Steven W
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.