How Trio and SynGAP shape developing brain connections
Mechanisms underlying cortical local circuit regulation by synaptic GEFs and GAPs
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11418330
This Center looks at how the genes Trio and SynGAP help form and refine brain circuits to inform care for people with related neurodevelopmental disorders.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11418330 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will focus on a signaling hub that controls small GTPases, with special attention to the genes TRIO and SYNGAP1, which guide how neurons connect during brain development. The work combines linked projects using cellular and animal models and detailed recordings of circuit function (including ex vivo electrophysiology) to track neuronal migration, synapse formation, and connection refinement. The team will examine how disease-causing variants change synapses and circuit wiring and look for common wiring problems across different genetic causes. Results are intended to highlight molecular and circuit-level targets that could guide future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with known pathogenic variants in TRIO, SYNGAP1, or ARHGEF5, or individuals diagnosed with related neurodevelopmental disorders, would be the most directly relevant candidates for sample donation or future clinical studies.
Not a fit: Individuals whose conditions are not linked to these genes or who have non-genetic causes of developmental or behavioral symptoms are unlikely to gain direct benefits from this Center in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to molecular or circuit targets for therapies that improve brain circuit function and reduce cognitive or behavioral symptoms in genetic neurodevelopmental disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown that TRIO and SYNGAP1 affect synapse formation and function, but moving those findings into treatments has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CONTRACTOR, ANIS — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: CONTRACTOR, ANIS
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.