Role of Protocadherin 19 in human cortical development and its link to epilepsy
Official title: The Role of Protocadherin 19 in Human Cortical Development
Funded at University of Toledo · NIH-11445141 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study using human stem cell–derived brain models to understand how PCDH19 gene variants affect early brain development and contribute to epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toledo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toledo, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $587,758 |
| NIH project number | 1R15NS147317-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11445141 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with PCDH19-related disorders or epilepsy linked to PCDH19 mosaicism may benefit from advances arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without PCDH19-related conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic mechanistic research.
What this research studies
This project uses human pluripotent stem cells to create cortical organoids that mimic mosaic PCDH19 expression, aiming to reveal how abnormal cell interactions shape the developing cortex. Researchers will examine how PCDH19-related mosaicism influences neural progenitor behavior, tissue organization, and potential pathways that lead to epilepsy. The work focuses on translating cellular findings into insights about a monogenic form of epilepsy and related neurodevelopmental issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of PCDH19-related epilepsy could guide future therapies and diagnostic approaches for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous organoid models have shown how genetic variants can disrupt cortical development; this project builds on that approach to a specific human disease.
Where this research is happening
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University of Toledo
Toledo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Niu, Wei — University of Toledo
- Study coordinator: Niu, Wei
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.