Integrated human forebrain organoids to study neurodevelopmental disorders
Official title: Construction of the integrated human forebrain organoids to investigate neurodevelopmental disorders
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11234499 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Yale team will grow complex lab-grown brain tissue models to study how autism-related genes affect brain development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2019 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $730,220 |
| NIH project number | 2R01MH118344-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11234499 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is at the basic science stage using stem cell models; no direct patient participation is required.
✕Less likely to help
There is no direct patient participation or immediate clinical benefit in this stage of the research.
What this research studies
Researchers will develop integrated human forebrain organoids that mimic dorsal, ventral, and whole diencephalic brain regions to understand autism spectrum disorder. The work uses human stem cells to create 3D brain-like structures and examine how ASD-related genes influence development and organization. By comparing organoids with different regional identities, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that may contribute to autistic phenotypes and potential targets for therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal how early brain development goes awry in ASD and point toward new avenues for diagnosis or treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous organoid models of forebrain regions have yielded insights into brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders, with ongoing translational potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, in-Hyun — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Park, in-Hyun
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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.