Studying how deep brain stimulation helps Rett syndrome in mice
Official title: Studying the effects and mechanisms of deep brain stimulation in Rett syndrome mice
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11380840 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing how deep brain stimulation affects brain cells and memory in a mouse model of Rett syndrome to uncover mechanisms that could guide future therapies.
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 | April 1, 2018 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $373,562 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS100738-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380840 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with Rett syndrome or related neurodevelopmental conditions in future human studies after safety and efficacy are established in animals.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not connected to Rett syndrome or early-stage DBS research may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
In Rett syndrome, serious brain-wide effects cause intellectual disability and movement and mood problems. The project uses deep brain stimulation in mice to see how it changes the birth, maturation, and integration of new brain cells in the hippocampus and how that relates to memory. By examining the links between DBS, neurogenesis, and memory, scholars hope to clarify why DBS helps some brain functions. This work focuses on fundamental neuroscience to inform future patient-directed research and potential therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide future DBS approaches for Rett syndrome and related neurodevelopmental conditions to improve memory and overall brain function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies suggest DBS can influence memory and neurogenesis in animal models, but direct causality in Rett syndrome remains to be proven.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Jianrong — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Tang, Jianrong
Related research
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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.