TAOK1 enzyme and its role in autism and brain development
Official title: Kinase Dysfunction in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11299039 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is looking at whether problems in a brain enzyme called TAOK1 change nerve cell shape and function in people with autism and related developmental delays.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $727,411 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130336-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11299039 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include people with autism spectrum disorder or developmental delay who have known TAOK1 mutations, or individuals willing to donate cells or biological samples for stem-cell modeling.
✕Less likely to help
People whose autism or developmental differences are not related to TAOK1 genetic changes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific project.
What this research studies
Researchers will use cells made from people (patient-derived stem cells) and lab models to see how TAOK1 mutations affect neuron membranes and shape. They will combine protein-mapping (proteomics), chemical-genetic tools, structural biology, and 3D cellular models to understand how TAOK1 binds membrane lipids and remodels neurons. The team will study both inherited and new TAOK1 mutations found in people with autism, macrocephaly, and developmental delay to link specific mutations to changes in neuronal form and activity. The goal is to reveal molecular steps that could point toward future diagnostics or treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify specific molecular pathways tied to TAOK1 that might become targets for new therapies or diagnostic tests for TAOK1-related autism.
How similar studies have gone: Approaches using patient-derived stem cells and proteomics have uncovered disease mechanisms for other neurodevelopmental conditions, but focused TAOK1 research is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yadav, Smita — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Yadav, Smita
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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.