Investigating ways to reactivate a gene linked to social behavior and learning in females.
Official title: Exploring the Rescue Strategy for Female NEXMIF Haploinsufficiency via X Chromosome Reactivation
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-10985344 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gene called NEXMIF affects social behavior and thinking skills, especially in girls, by using mice to see what happens when this gene is missing, and they hope to find ways to turn the gene back on to help improve behavior and brain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 14, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $445,184 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH134174-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985344 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are females diagnosed with NEXMIF haploinsufficiency or those exhibiting related neurological features.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with NEXMIF-related conditions who do not have haploinsufficiency or those with other unrelated genetic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the effects of the NEXMIF gene, which is linked to social behavior deficits and intellectual disabilities, particularly in females. The team has created a mouse model to study how the absence of this gene affects brain function and behavior. They aim to explore methods to reactivate the NEXMIF gene using small molecules and CRISPR technology, which could potentially restore normal function and improve behavioral outcomes. By examining the biological effects of these interventions, the research seeks to provide insights into new therapeutic strategies for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve social and cognitive functions in females with NEXMIF haploinsufficiency.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of reactivating X-linked genes has shown promise in other contexts, this specific investigation into NEXMIF is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Man, Hengye — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Man, Hengye
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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.