How the ANK3 gene affects brain cells that make myelin and its link to bipolar disorder
Oligodendroglial ANK3 and its role in CNS function
This work looks at how the ANK3 gene changes the support cells that make myelin in adults to better understand bipolar disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11295746 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient’s perspective, researchers are focusing on a gene called ANK3 that is strongly linked to bipolar disorder and is active in the brain cells that make myelin. They will map the proteins Ankyrin-G (AnkG) interacts with at the paranodal junctions where myelin meets axons, using proximity biotinylation to find candidate molecules. The team will then tag and test these candidate proteins in living mice using CRISPR/Cas9 and AAV methods targeted to oligodendrocytes, and study effects during development and aging. Their experiments will look at myelin structure, gene expression, nerve signaling, and behavior to link molecular changes to bipolar-like outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with bipolar disorder or a strong family history of bipolar disorder who are interested in genetics or future sample-donation opportunities would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People under 21, those without bipolar disorder or related mood conditions, or anyone seeking immediate symptom relief are unlikely to benefit directly from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal new biological targets in myelin-producing cells that might eventually lead to better treatments or prevention strategies for bipolar disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Large genetic studies have repeatedly linked ANK3 to bipolar disorder, but directly studying ANK3’s role in oligodendrocytes and myelin is a newer approach with limited prior translational results.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rasband, Matthew N — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Rasband, Matthew N
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.