How Tourette syndrome develops in the brain
Neurodevelopment of Tourette syndrome
['FUNDING_R01'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11249573
Researchers are using donated brain tissue and patient-derived stem cells to learn why people with Tourette syndrome have fewer specific brain cells in the basal ganglia.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | YALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11249573 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project studies brain tissue from people with Tourette syndrome and grows patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells into 3-D basal ganglia organoids in the lab. Scientists use single-nucleus RNA sequencing on postmortem brains to find which cell types are reduced and when those deficits arise during development. Lab-grown organoids let researchers test how pathways like sonic hedgehog (SHH) affect interneuron production and why cells from TS individuals respond differently. The team will expand their postmortem and organoid work to additional brain regions to build a clearer picture of early developmental causes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults with Tourette syndrome who can provide blood or skin samples for iPSC creation or who can consent to postmortem brain donation.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate clinical treatment or improvement in current symptoms are unlikely to get direct short-term benefit from this lab-based research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover early brain changes that lead to Tourette syndrome and point to targets for treatments that prevent or reduce tics.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team and others has already shown interneuron deficits in TS postmortem brains and preliminary organoid findings, so this continues promising but still early results.
Where this research is happening
NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES
- YALE UNIVERSITY — NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VACCARINO, FLORA M — YALE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: VACCARINO, FLORA M
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.