How specific genes control brain wiring and learning
Dissecting Histone H3K4 Methylation Enzymes in Neuroplasticity
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11266223
This research looks at how enzymes linked to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders change how brain cells adjust their connections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11266223 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, the team is studying a group of genes that add or remove a chemical tag on DNA-packaging proteins and seeing how those genes affect the brain's ability to rewire itself. They use lab experiments with cells and animal models together with information about human genetic mutations to see which enzymes are essential for neurons to scale up or down their activity. The work focuses on a set of enzymes that are already tied to single-gene neurodevelopmental disorders and aims to map their specific roles in synaptic plasticity. By linking gene changes to neuronal function, the researchers hope to explain how some genetic mutations lead to cognitive and behavioral problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autism spectrum disorder or other neurodevelopmental conditions, especially those with known mutations in H3K4 methylation genes or related chromatin regulators, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Individuals without neurodevelopmental conditions or without mutations affecting the studied enzymes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to specific molecular targets to help restore healthy brain connection balance in autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies have linked chromatin regulators to activity-dependent gene changes and synaptic plasticity, but a comprehensive focus on all H3K4 methylation enzymes in neuroplasticity is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR — ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: IWASE, SHIGEKI — UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- Study coordinator: IWASE, SHIGEKI
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