Investigating how a specific gene affects brain development in children
Official title: Understanding the Role of EIF4A2 in Neurodevelopment
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10949537 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gene called EIF4A2 affects brain development in children with neurodevelopmental disorders by using zebrafish to see what happens when this gene is changed, which could help us find better ways to understand and treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $234,630 |
| NIH project number | 1K08NS138691-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10949537 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who are diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism or intellectual disabilities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders not linked to genetic factors or those over the age of 11 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the EIF4A2 gene in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly in children. By using zebrafish as a model, researchers will explore how changes in this gene can impact the development of brain cells, specifically interneurons, which are crucial for proper brain function. The study employs advanced techniques like CRISPR gene editing to observe the effects of both loss and gain of function of the EIF4A2 gene on brain development. This research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these changes and their timing, which could lead to better understanding and treatment of related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and potential therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using similar genetic editing approaches in model organisms, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duncan, Anna Ruth — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Duncan, Anna Ruth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Pregnant Travelers Health and Disease Prevention Network
This grant supports a national network to improve health and prevent infections among international travelers, with a special focus on pregnant travelers.
-
Soluble ST2 and the course of lung injury in ARDS
A doctor-scientist at a top hospital is studying how a molecule called soluble ST2 may influence how lung injury starts and heals in patients with ARDS and related conditions.
-
Role of airway macrophages in lung health and allergic disease
A doctor-scientist at a major hospital wants to study how immune cells in the airways develop and influence asthma and other airway diseases.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Understanding and Protecting US Travelers, including Pregnant Travelers
A large U.S. network studies international travelers, including pregnant travelers, to understand illness risks and reduce the spread of infections.
-
Gait speed from wearable sensors to guide ALS trials
A patient-friendly look at using wearable sensors to measure how fast people with ALS walk, to help run better ALS trials.
-
Determinants of Post-Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on Recovery
A large, multi-site effort aims to understand why some stroke survivors develop long-term cognitive problems and dementia, and how vascular health and pre-existing brain changes influence recovery.
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.