Investigating how certain genetic elements affect brain development and disorders
Official title: The role of retrotransposonable elements in neurodevelopment and disease
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11044979 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain elements in our genes might affect brain development and could be linked to conditions like autism and ADHD, and it aims to find out if stopping these elements from working could help improve outcomes for people with these disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $76,756 |
| NIH project number | 5F32HD114499-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044979 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 21 years old diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism or ADHD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders who are over 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of retrotransposable elements (RTEs) in brain development and their potential link to neurodevelopmental disorders. By using models such as Drosophila and cerebral organoids, the study will assess how RTE activity influences brain formation and whether inhibiting this activity can serve as a treatment for conditions like autism and ADHD. The research employs advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the effects of RTEs on different cell types. The ultimate goal is to determine if controlling RTE activity can improve outcomes for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders, potentially improving the quality of life for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of RTEs in neurodevelopment is an emerging field, preliminary data suggests that similar approaches have shown promise in understanding genetic influences on brain disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Talley, Mary — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Talley, Mary
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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.