Investigating how specific brain cells contribute to early brain dysfunction in autism
Official title: Role of local interneurons in early cortical dysfunction in Shank3 KO mice
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10741946 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells in mice, which are linked to autism, behave during early development to see if changes in their activity might explain why some kids with autism also have epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $437,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH132015-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10741946 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with autism spectrum disorders, particularly those experiencing epilepsy or related symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autism spectrum disorders or epilepsy may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of local interneurons in the brain of mice with a genetic deletion linked to autism. By examining the electrical activity and behavior of these cells during early development, the study aims to uncover how disruptions in these neurons may lead to increased brain activity associated with epilepsy and autism. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques like whole-cell electrophysiology and 2-photon microscopy to gather detailed information about the functioning of these interneurons. This work could provide insights into the mechanisms of cortical hyperactivity and its implications for autism spectrum disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing epilepsy and autism by targeting specific brain cell dysfunctions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that targeting interneuron dysfunction can lead to significant advancements in understanding and treating epilepsy and autism, suggesting a promising avenue for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peixoto, Rui — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Peixoto, Rui
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Elastomeric membranes for safer pelvic organ prolapse repair
A new 3D-printed elastomeric membrane made from polycarbonate urethane is being tested to replace stiff polypropylene meshes for pelvic organ prolapse in women, aiming to reduce complications.
-
Role of hyaluronan in egg development and ovarian reserve
This grant studies how the hyaluronan matrix in the ovary affects the aging of the female reproductive system and the pool of eggs available.
-
Regulatory switches that control imprinting in early human development
This grant studies how certain genes stay “one-copy” active in early development and what goes wrong in assisted reproduction, with a focus on imprinting disorders.
-
Identifying molecular signs of imprinting errors linked to fertility treatments
This grant studies how assisted reproductive technologies may cause imprinting errors in embryos and how these errors relate to certain birth conditions, with implications for families using infertility treatments.
-
Bioadhesive vaginal film for 7-day protection against HIV, HSV, and pregnancy
A vaginal film that slowly releases antibodies to prevent HIV, HSV, and unintended pregnancy for about a week from a single use.
-
Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation and culture in patients
Researchers are testing a way to transplant or grow sperm-producing cells back in boys and men who stored tissue before cancer treatment, to help them have biological children in the future.
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.