Molecular and cellular clues about cerebellar problems in neurodevelopmental disorders
Official title: Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Cerebellar Dysfunction in Neurodevelopmental disorders
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11365173 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how the cerebellum may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and autism, to understand why movement, thinking, and behavior can be affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $599,164 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS134596-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365173 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with ADHD, autism spectrum features, and related neurodevelopmental conditions who may have cerebellar involvement or EBF3-related changes.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without neurodevelopmental features affecting movement, cognition, or social behavior may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine will study how changes in brain cells and their connections in a key brain region called the cerebellum relate to neurodevelopmental disorders that feature ADHD, autism, and related symptoms. The project focuses on how cerebellar circuits develop and malfunction, potentially leading to coordination, sensory, and cognitive challenges. By examining genetic and cellular mechanisms tied to EBF3 and related pathways, the work aims to connect molecular changes to observable behaviors. The findings could point toward targets for future therapies or interventions that support development and daily functioning for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could guide new approaches to support communication, learning, and coordination in people with neurodevelopmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked cerebellar development to neurodevelopmental outcomes, supporting the plausibility of this approach but the exact mechanisms are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chao, Hsiao-Tuan — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Chao, Hsiao-Tuan
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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.