MicroRNA cluster guiding brain wiring for movement and thinking
An evolutionarily acquired microRNA cluster shapes development of mammalian cortical projections
Researchers will learn how a group of tiny RNA molecules helps brain cells build the connections that support movement and higher thinking and how this might relate to autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258480 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one has autism, this project studies a specific set of microRNAs that are active in certain brain cells that form long-range connections involved in movement and executive functions. The team will use deep sequencing methods to map where these microRNAs act and study their epigenetic regulation. They will perform in vivo experiments in lab models to perturb those microRNAs and watch how axons and neuron fates change. The goal is to link microRNA activity to whether neurons become corticospinal motor neurons or callosal neurons, which could help explain wiring differences seen in neurodevelopmental conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients; its results will be most relevant to people with autism spectrum disorder or motor-control conditions in the future.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatments are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new molecular targets for future therapies that aim to correct or modify brain wiring differences linked to autism or motor disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows microRNAs can shape neuron development, but linking an evolutionarily acquired microRNA cluster specifically to corticospinal versus callosal neuron fate is a novel and exploratory direction.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tharin, Suzanne Audrey — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Tharin, Suzanne Audrey
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 below.