Investigating how duplicated genes affect brain development and disorders
Official title: Human gene duplications in neurodevelopment and disease
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10932392 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how extra copies of certain genes might affect brain development and related disorders, using zebrafish to see how these genes influence brain growth and function, which could help us understand more about conditions that impact the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $691,844 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132818-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932392 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders or those with a family history of such conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders not linked to genetic factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of duplicated genes in human neurodevelopment and associated disorders. By utilizing advanced techniques like CRISPR, the study aims to assess how these genes influence brain morphology and function during development. Researchers will analyze a comprehensive list of duplicated genes, particularly those expressed during the formation of the brain, using zebrafish models to observe the effects on neural growth and signaling. The goal is to uncover new insights into the genetic factors contributing to neurodevelopmental conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic targets for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of gene duplications in neurodevelopment, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dennis, Megan Y — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Dennis, Megan Y
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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.