How the brain protein FMRP shapes mitochondria and metabolism during human brain growth
Official title: FMRP regulation of mitochondria and metabolism in human brain development
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11493842 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how a protein called FMRP controls the brain's energy systems as the human brain develops, to help us better understand autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $74,640 |
| NIH project number | 3R01NS138268-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11493842 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with autistic disorder or families willing to donate biological samples (including postmortem brain tissue or other biospecimens) would be the most relevant participants for related sample-based work.
✕Less likely to help
Because this is basic laboratory research, participants should not expect direct clinical benefits or immediate changes to their care.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how FMRP (a protein linked to autism) affects mitochondria and cellular metabolism using human-relevant materials and lab models. The work will use human tissue-derived approaches and complementary laboratory models to trace metabolic changes during brain development. Findings will be compared with known patterns from autism and related conditions to identify molecular links. The team at University of Wisconsin–Madison aims to connect basic molecular changes with features seen in autistic brain development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal biological targets related to brain energy use that might guide future therapies for autism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous laboratory studies have linked FMRP and mitochondrial changes in Fragile X and autism-related research, but translating those findings into treatments remains early.
Where this research is happening
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University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Xinyu — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Xinyu
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.