Molecular tools to change specific brain connections using fruit flies
Molecular design for circuit engineering in the Drosophila brain
['FUNDING_R21'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11180405
Researchers are creating molecular tools in fruit flies to block single synaptic connections so we can learn how wiring changes lead to autism and ADHD.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11180405 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team will design new molecules intended to prevent the formation of individual synapses between neurons. They will screen these designs in lab tests and cell cultures to find candidates that work. Promising tools will be tested in living Drosophila (fruit fly) brains to block particular connections and observe resulting changes in neural activity and behavior. The work aims to replicate synaptic changes linked to autism and ADHD so scientists can better understand how altered wiring produces symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autism spectrum disorder or ADHD, and their caregivers, may be most interested in following this work because it targets brain wiring changes linked to those conditions.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments should know this is basic laboratory research in fruit flies and is unlikely to offer direct or near-term personal benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help scientists pinpoint how specific synaptic changes cause symptoms of autism and ADHD and guide the development of more targeted therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Basic research in model organisms has advanced understanding of brain wiring before, but deliberately re-engineering single synapses in living brains is a novel and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — Chicago, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GALLIO, MARCO — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: GALLIO, MARCO
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.
Conditions: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Autistic Disorder