Iron deficiency and brain development in 3q29 deletion syndrome
Official title: Iron deficiency and neuropsychiatric disease risk in 3q29 deletion syndrome
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11372578 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how iron deficiency might influence neurodevelopmental outcomes in kids with a 3q29 deletion.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | June 5, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $456,864 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH141697-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11372578 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and adolescents with 3q29 deletion syndrome who may be experiencing or at risk for ADHD, autism, or developmental delays.
✕Less likely to help
Children without 3q29 deletion or without iron deficiency would be less likely to benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
This project looks at whether not having enough iron affects brain development and neuropsychiatric conditions in children with 3q29 deletion syndrome. Using advanced lab models like 3D brain organoids, the team will explore how iron availability interacts with genes in the 3q29 region to shape outcomes related to ADHD, autism, and developmental delay. The study aims to identify mechanisms that could explain why some children are more severely affected than others, with the hope of guiding future interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to strategies to mitigate neurodevelopmental risks in 3q29Del by addressing iron deficiency.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work links iron deficiency to neurodevelopmental issues, but this project investigates the interaction with 3q29Del using human-relevant models.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Purcell, Ryan Herndon — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Purcell, Ryan Herndon
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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.