How the adult brain's balancing mechanisms work in Jordan's syndrome
Homeostatic plasticity in mouse models of Jordan's Syndrome
Researchers are looking at whether the brain's natural balancing mechanisms work differently in Jordan's syndrome to better understand effects on autism and intellectual disability.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324646 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses mouse models that carry the genetic change seen in Jordan's syndrome to study how neurons adjust their activity. Scientists will measure presynaptic neurotransmitter release and probe the genes and biochemical pathways that control homeostatic plasticity. The team will link those findings to the human genetic causes of Jordan's syndrome to explain why circuit stability is lost. Overall, the work aims to reveal targets that could be used to restore healthy brain balance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with a confirmed diagnosis of Jordan's syndrome (carrying the relevant genetic mutation) would be the most relevant patients for future related human studies or sample donation.
Not a fit: People without Jordan's syndrome or whose autism/intellectual disability has a different cause may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to ways to restore the brain's balancing systems and lead to treatments that reduce cognitive and autism-related symptoms in Jordan's syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has suggested homeostatic plasticity matters in neurodevelopmental disorders, but directly linking it to Jordan's syndrome is a new and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davis, Graeme W — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Davis, Graeme 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.