Synaptic nanostructure in neurodevelopmental disorders
Official title: Synaptic nanostructure and dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11519386 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to map the tiny architecture of brain synapses in native cells to understand how connections form and change in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 27, 2026 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $108,040 |
| NIH project number | 3R01MH132918-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11519386 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals whose neurodevelopmental condition is linked to synaptic dysfunction or related genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without neurodevelopmental conditions or those not connected to synaptic pathology may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will use advanced imaging to see how postsynaptic proteins, adhesion molecules, and glutamate receptors arrange themselves at the nanoscale in living neurons. They combine cryo-electron tomography with fluorescence microscopy to visualize native synapses and how they remodel during synaptic plasticity. The grant also seeks to fix a critical sample-prep tool (a cryo-EM plunger freezer) to ensure rapid freezing preserves delicate structures and improves reproducibility. Portable, reliable equipment will reduce sample loss and enable clearer, more reproducible pictures of synaptic organization.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding nanoscale synapse organization could inform future therapies targeting synaptic dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work using cryo-ET and fluorescence has revealed detailed postsynaptic organization, with ongoing efforts building a more complete map.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Qiangjun — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Qiangjun
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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.