Investigating how the brain stabilizes function in health and disease

Homeostatic Stabilization of Neural Function in Health and Disease

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10884059

This study is looking at how the brain keeps itself balanced and stable, especially in conditions like autism and ALS, using fruit flies and mice to find new ways to help treat these disorders.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10884059 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the concept of homeostatic plasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to stabilize its function through compensatory processes. It aims to understand how these processes are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The researchers will use advanced genetic techniques in fruit flies and mice to uncover the underlying mechanisms of homeostatic plasticity and its potential neuroprotective effects. By translating findings from fruit flies to mouse models, they hope to identify new therapeutic targets for treating these conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to neurodevelopmental disorders or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve neural function and quality of life for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding homeostatic plasticity in animal models, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neuron Diseaseautism spectral disorderautism spectrum disorderAutistic Disorderautistic spectrum disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.