Investigating brain cell dysfunction in autism
Official title: Cerebellar granule cell dysfunction in Shank3 mutant mice
Funded at Southern Illinois University Sch of Med · NIH-11080992 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells in the cerebellum might not work properly in people with autism, using special mice to help understand the problem better, which could give us clues about how brain health affects behaviors related to autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Southern Illinois University Sch of Med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Springfield, United States) |
| Project start | June 23, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $317,051 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH129749-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080992 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, particularly those with genetic mutations similar to Shank3.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autism spectrum disorder or those whose conditions do not involve cerebellar dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific brain cells in the cerebellum may be dysfunctional in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By studying Shank3 mutant mice, which serve as a model for ASD, the research aims to identify the neural mechanisms that contribute to the disorder. The approach involves examining the cerebellar granule cells, which are crucial for processing sensory and motor information, to see how genetic mutations affect their function. This could lead to insights into the broader implications of cerebellar health on behaviors associated with autism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting cerebellar dysfunction in individuals with autism.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on the genetic aspects of autism, the specific focus on cerebellar granule cells in relation to ASD is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Southern Illinois University Sch of Med
Springfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Richardson, Ben D — Southern Illinois University Sch of Med
- Study coordinator: Richardson, Ben D
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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.