How SCN2A changes affect brain activity and social behavior in autism
Neuronal and Behavioral Deficits Associated with Scn2a Deficiency in Autism Spectrum Disorder
['FUNDING_R01'] · PURDUE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11378873
This work looks at whether SCN2A gene changes disrupt brain cell activity and social behavior in autism and whether genetic or drug fixes can improve those behaviors.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | PURDUE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11378873 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use a mouse model that mimics SCN2A deficiency found in some people with autism. They record brain cell activity in the prefrontal cortex using brain-slice patch-clamp techniques and Neuropixels in vivo probes to measure neuronal firing and excitation/inhibition balance. The team will test genetic 'rescue' approaches and pharmacological treatments to see if normalizing excitation/inhibition balance reduces anxiety-like behaviors and improves social interactions. Results could point researchers toward treatments aimed at SCN2A-related autism.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autism who have a known damaging SCN2A variant (and their families) are the most directly relevant group.
Not a fit: People with autism who do not carry SCN2A variants or whose symptoms arise from different mechanisms may not benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to genetic or drug strategies that restore normal brain signaling and improve social behaviors in people with SCN2A-related autism.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have linked SCN2A loss to social deficits and altered excitation/inhibition balance, but translating these findings into effective human therapies remains early and experimental.
Where this research is happening
WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES
- PURDUE UNIVERSITY — WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: YANG, YANG — PURDUE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: YANG, YANG
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.