How lipid signals and calcium guide brain cell placement in the cortex
Regulation of phosphoinositide metabolism and calcium dynamics in the neocortex
Researchers will learn how certain lipid signals and calcium control the movement and final placement of brain cells during development, which relates to autistic disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11307663 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists are examining how projection neurons move to their correct places in the neocortex during brain development. They focus on a protein called CRL5 and signaling lipids (PIP2 and PIP3) plus calcium dynamics to see how these molecules control neuron migration and stopping. The team uses laboratory experiments in cells and animal models to alter these signals and watch effects on neuron movement and brain wiring. Understanding these steps could explain why migration goes wrong in some people with autism and point to molecular targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autistic disorder, especially cases suspected to involve early brain development or neuron migration abnormalities, would be most directly relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical therapies or whose autism is unrelated to neuron migration mechanisms are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular targets to correct neuron migration defects and guide development of new treatments for autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies have linked phosphoinositide and calcium signaling to neuron movement, but translating these findings into human treatments remains early and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simo, Sergi — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Simo, Sergi
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.