Investigating how a specific gene affects behavior and learning in zebrafish.
Official title: Genetic and circuit control of visuo-acoustic behavior and integration
Funded at Haverford College · NIH-10439217 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene called AP2S1 affects how we learn and behave, especially when it comes to processing what we see and hear, using zebrafish to help understand how changes in this gene might relate to conditions like autism and learning challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Haverford College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Haverford, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $419,669 |
| NIH project number | 1R15EY031539-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10439217 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with learning disabilities or autism spectrum disorders, particularly those with genetic links to the AP2S1 gene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without learning disabilities or autism spectrum disorders, or those not linked to the AP2S1 gene, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the AP2S1 gene in regulating behavior and learning, particularly in relation to visual and acoustic information processing. Using zebrafish models, the researchers will explore how mutations in this gene impact cognitive functions such as multisensory integration and behavior selection. The study aims to uncover the neural mechanisms involved in these processes, which could provide insights into neuropsychiatric conditions like autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potential interventions for learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach using zebrafish models for this gene is novel, similar studies have shown success in understanding genetic influences on behavior in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Haverford College
Haverford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jain, Roshan a — Haverford College
- Study coordinator: Jain, Roshan a
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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.