Investigating how autism risk genes affect brain cell function
Official title: Convergent cellular and network mechanisms of ASD risk genes
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10994629 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes linked to autism affect special brain cells that help with thinking and social skills, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with autism through gene therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | December 5, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $117,163 |
| NIH project number | 5K99MH135209-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994629 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who may have genetic factors contributing to their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or those whose condition is not linked to genetic factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how various genes associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) impact the function of specific brain cells known as layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex. By examining these neurons, the research aims to uncover how disruptions in their excitability and synaptic integration contribute to the social and cognitive challenges faced by individuals with ASD. The study will also explore the potential of gene therapy to address these disruptions caused by genetic factors. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for ASD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that improve brain function and social skills in individuals with autism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the genetic underpinnings of autism, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nelson, Andrew D — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Nelson, Andrew D
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How cancer cells use exosomes to evade the immune system
This study is looking at how cancer cells use tiny bubbles called exosomes to hide proteins that can keep your immune system from fighting the tumor, and by figuring this out, the researchers hope to help doctors understand why some people respond well to cancer treatments while others don’t, ultimately aiming to creat
-
Reducing harm from smoking using electronic cigarettes
This study is looking at whether using electronic cigarettes can be a safer option for people who smoke traditional cigarettes, by comparing the health effects and exposure to harmful substances between the two.
-
Understanding how knee pain and knee obesity and muscle loss affect knee osteoarthritis
This project looks at how knee swelling, excess knee fat, and muscle loss relate to pain and structural changes in knee osteoarthritis in adults.
-
Cutaneous opioid signals in skin inflammation
A mentor-identified clinician-researcher at UCSF is studying how natural skin opioids regulate itch and pain in inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and hidradenitis, with plans to map where these opioids come from and how they affect skin nerves.
-
Pooling international data to understand long-term bisphosphonate use and atypical femur fractures
This project combines large patient datasets from multiple countries to understand how long-term bisphosphonate use relates to rare hip and thigh bone fractures, helping doctors and patients make safer treatment choices.
-
Airway cell and immune cell talks in lung transplant failure
This grant tests how airway cells and immune cells interact to drive chronic rejection after lung transplant, with the goal of slowing or preventing scar-like damage.
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.