Machine learning finds brainstem cells that control facial movements
Official title: Machine learning discovery of novel brainstem nuclei controlling orofacial behaviors
Funded at Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci · NIH-11380193 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A broad study using machine learning and brain cells to map the brainstem circuits that control breathing, eating, speaking, and facial movements, with potential relevance to autism and Rett syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (North Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $399,700 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS142730-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380193 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with autism spectrum disorder, Rett syndrome, or related neurodevelopmental conditions may be relevant for future translational work or participation in related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or people without orofacial motor impairments may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to identify specific brainstem cell groups that control important facial and orofacial movements by looking at their gene activity and how they respond to light-based control techniques. Researchers will use advanced clustering methods on large single-cell data and test functional roles with cell-type–specific optogenetics in models relevant to human conditions. By connecting distinct cell types to precise facial behaviors, the work could illuminate why some individuals with autism or Rett syndrome have atypical facial movements or swallowing difficulties. The study is a lab-based investigation that translates findings toward understanding human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions affecting speech and eating. If successful, the insights could guide future therapies targeting specific brainstem circuits to improve orofacial function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new targets for therapies that improve facial movements, speech, and swallowing in conditions like autism and Rett syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work using gene expression and circuit mapping has shown promise in identifying functionally distinct brain regions, but this project combines ML-driven clustering with optogenetics in a novel way for brainstem nuclei.
Where this research is happening
-
Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
North Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kam, Kaiwen — Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
- Study coordinator: Kam, Kaiwen
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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.