Investigating how a specific gene affects brain development in children with Down syndrome
Official title: Establishing the role of Dual-Specificity Tyrosine Phosphorylation-Regulated Kinase 1A trisomy in juvenile plasticity impairment in Down Syndrome
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11070407 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes, especially one called DYRK1A, affect brain development in kids with Down syndrome, using mice to learn more about how we might help improve thinking skills in these children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $211,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS137191-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070407 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with Down syndrome who may experience cognitive delays.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Down syndrome or those who do not exhibit cognitive impairments related to trisomy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the genetic and molecular factors that contribute to developmental delays in individuals with Down syndrome, focusing on how trisomy affects brain development during critical juvenile periods. Using a mouse model, the study examines how the gene DYRK1A influences brain plasticity, particularly in response to visual stimuli. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve cognitive function in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing cognitive abilities in children with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding genetic influences on cognitive function in Down syndrome, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: William, Christopher Maged — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: William, Christopher Maged
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Exploring how Down syndrome affects optic nerve health in kids
A study using a mouse model to understand why optic nerve problems are common in children with Down syndrome and how to prevent them.
-
Executive Function Enhancement for Young Children with Down Syndrome
A caregiver-guided program for kids with Down syndrome aged up to 11 to strengthen their thinking skills during early childhood.
-
Silencing an Extra Chromosome to Help Down Syndrome and Related Conditions
A patient-friendly plan to use a gene-based approach to quiet an extra chromosome in cells and a mouse model to reduce disease-related effects in Down syndrome and other chromosomal imbalance disorders.
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Infant Down Syndrome Brain and Behavior Study
A study of infants with Down syndrome to collect brain imaging and developmental data, creating a large, shared resource to understand how autism and other factors relate to development.
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DS-ARC: Smartphone-based cognitive check for people with Down syndrome at risk for Alzheimer’s
A smartphone-based cognitive test is being developed and tested for people with Down syndrome who may develop Alzheimer’s disease, to track changes quietly in daily life.
-
Immune and NGF factors in Alzheimer’s for adults with Down syndrome
This grant studies why people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease by looking at immune signals and nerve growth factor problems.
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.