How the human brain's cortex develops and is organized
Developmental Topology of the Human Cerebral Cortex
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11248331
Researchers will use human brain tissue and lab-grown mini-brains to learn how the cortex forms in people and how that can go wrong in conditions like autism.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11248331 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project studies the developing human cerebral cortex using primary human brain tissue and stem-cell-derived cerebral organoids ("mini-brains"). Researchers will focus on human-specific cell types in the outer subventricular zone, especially outer radial glia (oRG) and intermediate progenitor (IP) cells, to map their behaviors and lineages. The team will combine tissue analysis, single-cell methods, imaging, and bioinformatics to compare human patterns with those seen in animal models. The goal is to identify developmental differences that may underlie autism, schizophrenia, and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be consenting donors of relevant human brain tissue or individuals who can provide cells for stem-cell-derived models, and families affected by neurodevelopmental conditions who are willing to contribute samples.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatments or symptom relief should not expect direct benefit from this basic research project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal developmental causes of autism and related disorders and point to new targets for future therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work using human tissue and cerebral organoids has produced important insights into brain development, but turning those findings into clinical treatments is still at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KRIEGSTEIN, ARNOLD — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: KRIEGSTEIN, ARNOLD
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, Brain Diseases, Brain Disorders