Investigating how certain genetic elements affect brain development and disorders

The role of retrotransposonable elements in neurodevelopment and disease

NIH-funded research Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11044979

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 typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project IDNIH-11044979 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 21 years old diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism or ADHD.

Not a fit: Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders who are over 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Attention deficit hyperactivity disorderautism spectral disorderautism spectrum disorderAutistic Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.