Investigating how kinase dysfunction affects autism and neurodevelopmental disorders
Official title: Kinase Dysfunction in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11017047 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called TAOK1 to see how changes in it might affect brain development in people with autism and other related conditions, hoping to find helpful information that could improve understanding and treatment for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $626,439 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130336-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017047 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or other neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly those with known mutations in the TAOK1 gene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without neurodevelopmental disorders or those not carrying mutations in the TAOK1 gene may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a specific protein kinase, TAOK1, in the development of autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders. By examining how mutations in TAOK1 affect neuronal growth and function, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind these conditions. The study employs advanced techniques such as proteomics, chemical genetics, and stem cell technology to explore how TAOK1 interacts with neuronal membranes and influences neuronal morphology. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the biological processes underlying their conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a critical role of kinase dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yadav, Smita — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Yadav, Smita
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.
-
Common environmental chemicals that may harm developing brains linked to autism and ADHD
This work finds which everyday environmental chemicals might damage developing brains and raise risk for autism or ADHD.
-
Using sensory brain responses to find brain-based subtypes in autism and related conditions
This project records brain activity with EEG in 3–4 year-old children with autism or sensory concerns to find brain-based groups that relate to behavior.
-
TAOK1 enzyme and its role in autism and brain development
This project is looking at whether problems in a brain enzyme called TAOK1 change nerve cell shape and function in people with autism and related developmental delays.
-
Investigating environmental chemicals linked to autism and neurodevelopmental disorders
This study is looking at how some chemicals that pregnant people might come into contact with, like certain pesticides and medications, could affect the brain development of their babies and possibly lead to autism or other developmental issues.
-
Understanding sensory responses in autism and related disorders
This study is looking at how young children, especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental differences, respond to sensory experiences by using a safe and gentle brain scan, hoping to find ways to better understand and help them.
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.