Investigating how interleukin-6 affects brain development in autism models
Official title: Interleukin-6 induced synaptic dysgenesis in wild type vs. Shank3 mice
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11034810 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called interleukin-6 affects brain development and behavior in young mice that have a genetic link to autism, to help us understand how certain environmental factors might make autism symptoms worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 11, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $78,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R03MH138839-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034810 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autism spectrum disorder or those affected by related genetic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autism spectrum disorder or those not affected by the genetic factors being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of interleukin-6, a cytokine involved in immune responses, on brain development and behavior in a specific mouse model of autism. By injecting IL-6 into neonatal mice with a genetic mutation associated with autism, the study aims to understand how environmental factors can worsen behavioral symptoms. The researchers will assess various behaviors related to autism, such as sociability and communication, as the mice mature. This approach combines genetic and environmental influences to provide insights into autism spectrum disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of how environmental factors contribute to autism, potentially informing new treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that investigating gene-environment interactions in animal models can yield valuable insights, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levison, Steven W — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Levison, Steven W
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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.