Tiny synapse structures in autism and related conditions
Official title: Synaptic nanostructure and dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11254905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are mapping the tiny molecular machinery that helps brain cells talk to each other to understand how autism-linked changes disrupt that communication.
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 | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $548,062 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132918-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11254905 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or related neurodevelopmental conditions could be relevant candidates if the project requests patient-derived cells, genetic samples, or clinical volunteers.
✕Less likely to help
People seeking immediate clinical treatment or symptom relief are unlikely to benefit directly because the project is focused on laboratory-based, foundational science.
What this research studies
This project maps the nanometer-scale arrangement of molecules that bridge two nerve cells (synapses) to learn how genetic changes tied to autism and related disorders alter communication. The team will use cryogenic electron tomography to make 3-D images of synapses, combine biochemical methods and mass spectrometry to identify the proteins involved, and use cell imaging plus electrophysiological recordings to link structure with function. Experiments will use lab models that include disease-linked genetic variants to build a detailed molecular blueprint of healthy and disrupted synapses. The investigators aim to connect specific molecular misarrangements to the communication problems seen in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to molecular targets for new treatments and improve understanding of why symptoms arise in autism and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: High-resolution imaging approaches like cryo-ET have successfully revealed synaptic structures in lab models before, but applying these techniques to autism-linked genetic variants is a relatively new direction.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Qiangjun — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Qiangjun
Related research
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Synaptic nanostructure in neurodevelopmental disorders
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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.