Investigating how mutations in a gene complex affect brain development using yeast models
Official title: Modeling THO complex neurodevelopmental disorder mutations in gene expression regulation using budding yeast
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11047545 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in a specific protein complex can affect gene expression and potentially lead to brain development issues, using yeast to help us understand these processes better, which could ultimately help people with related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship 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 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,826 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS131037-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047545 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders linked to mutations in RNA binding proteins.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders not associated with RNA metabolism or THO complex mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how mutations in the THO complex, which is crucial for gene expression regulation, can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. By using budding yeast as a model organism, the study aims to explore the dynamics of this complex and how disruptions in its function can impact gene expression. The approach involves detailed analysis of RNA metabolism and processing, which are vital for proper neuronal function. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the underlying mechanisms of their conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and potential new therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that studying gene expression regulation in model organisms can yield significant insights into human diseases, suggesting a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wechsler, Theresa Faith — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Wechsler, Theresa Faith
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
UC Davis IGA Innovation Center
A research center at UC Davis will study gene-edited livestock to improve animal health, safety, and policy through sharing genetic data and findings about genome edits in cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats.
-
Administrative Core of an equitable breast cancer screening program
A national program headed from UC Davis is coordinating several research efforts to improve how breast cancer screening is done in community settings.
-
The role of novelty and surprise in learning for people with Alzheimer’s disease
A study explores how surprising events affect memory and learning in people related to Alzheimer’s disease, using everyday tasks to see how the brain remembers new information.
-
Understanding how distraction affects students and how to measure it better
This grant studies why distracted students, including those with ADHD, struggle in real-life learning and tests a clearer way to measure distraction in everyday settings.
-
California Partnership for Personalized Nutrition
A California clinical center is testing personalized dietary approaches to improve blood sugar and health for adults with diabetes by using big data and AI to tailor meals.
-
Advancing gastric cancer care for Latinos through patient-derived tumor models
Aimed at Latinos with gastric cancer, this project uses patient-derived tumor models to study how cancer biology and treatments work in real tumors.
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.