Investigating how genetic risks for autism affect brain cell interactions
Official title: Functional Genomic Interrogation of Autism Spectrum Disorder Genetic Risk on Microglia-Neuronal Interactions
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10999203 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affect the way brain cells interact during development, using special lab-grown brain models to help us understand more about ASD and what causes it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,308 |
| NIH project number | 1F30MH135660-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999203 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, particularly those with known genetic mutations associated with the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of autism or those whose condition is not linked to genetic factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the genetic factors contributing to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by examining how these factors influence interactions between microglia and neurons in the developing brain. Using advanced human stem cell technology, the study will create three-dimensional models of human brain development to analyze the effects of specific ASD-related genetic mutations. By studying these interactions, researchers aim to uncover the role of microglia, a type of brain cell, in the development of ASD. This could lead to a better understanding of the disorder and its underlying mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into the biological mechanisms of autism, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding genetic influences on autism, but this specific approach using 3D models is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hawken, Natalie — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Hawken, Natalie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding brain signals in autism to identify biologically distinct subtypes
This study uses EEG to link how the brain processes sensory information with behavior in young children with autism and related concerns.
-
Paternal exposures and sperm epigenetics linked to autism in children
This project looks at how a father's environment and health before conception might influence autism risk in his children.
-
Anxiety Management for Young Children with Autism
A study at a major hospital will test a medication called buspirone in young children with autism to see if it helps reduce anxiety.
-
Sleep problems in autism and daily functioning
A large study at a major university is looking at how sleep problems affect children with autism and their daily lives.
-
Sleep and ASD: Understanding how sleep problems relate to autism symptoms
A Stanford team is studying whether sleep problems contribute to and worsen autism symptoms in children and how improving sleep could help.
-
Canine-assisted addition to group therapy for emotion dysregulation in kids with autism
A study will test whether adding animal-assisted therapy to a proven group treatment helps reduce emotion dysregulation in children with autism.
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.