Investigating how a specific protein affects brain development in certain disorders.
Official title: Role of HP1β-mediated heterochromatin organization in neurodevelopmental disorders: CBX1-related syndrome as a model
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11032695 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called HP1β affects brain development in people with CBX1-related syndrome, using mice with similar genetic changes to help us understand how these changes might lead to developmental challenges and autism-like behaviors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $264,600 |
| NIH project number | 1K02NS140483-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032695 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with CBX1-related syndrome or similar neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by developmental disabilities and autistic features.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without neurodevelopmental disorders or those not carrying variants in the CBX1 gene may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a protein called HP1β in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly in a condition known as CBX1-related syndrome. Researchers are using mouse models that carry genetic variants found in patients to study how these variants affect brain function and behavior. By analyzing the brain tissue of these mice, they aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms that link these genetic changes to symptoms such as developmental disabilities and autistic features. This work could lead to new insights into how certain genetic mutations impact brain development and function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new understanding and potential therapeutic targets for neurodevelopmental disorders linked to genetic mutations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of chromatin proteins in neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Izumi, Kosuke — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Izumi, Kosuke
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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.