TRIO GEF1 in neurodevelopmental disorders and autism
Official title: Dysregulation of TRIO GEF1 activity in neurodevelopmental disorders
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11360117 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how changes in a brain protein called TRIO might contribute to autism and related conditions, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent or treat these disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $822,933 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH133562-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11360117 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with or at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders linked to TRIO variants, particularly autism and intellectual disability, may ultimately benefit from discoveries stemming from this work.
✕Less likely to help
This research is basic mechanistic work and may not provide direct benefits to participants during the study itself.
What this research studies
This project investigates how TRIO GEF1 activity affects brain development and how specific genetic variants linked to autism modify this activity. Using purified proteins and cellular models, the team will map how TRIO GEF1 is turned on or off by receptors and kinases, and how autism-associated variants disrupt this regulation. The work aims to uncover the molecular pathways from TRIO GEF1 signaling to neurodevelopmental outcomes, which could point toward new therapeutic strategies. The study is conducted at Yale University under the leadership of Anthony J. Koleske and will advance our understanding of mechanisms that contribute to autism and intellectual disability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new molecular targets for therapies to improve brain development and function in individuals with TRIO-related neurodevelopmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown that altering TRIO signaling can impact neural development, suggesting a promising but still early path for translation to therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koleske, Anthony J — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Koleske, Anthony J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Intergenerational factors in neurodevelopmental disorders
This project looks at how experiences before and during pregnancy across generations may influence the risk of neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD, autism, and related disorders in grandchildren.
-
Understanding brain signals in autism to identify biologically distinct subtypes
This study uses EEG to link how the brain processes sensory information with behavior in young children with autism and related concerns.
-
Clinical Translational Research Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders
A funded center supports research on neurodevelopmental disorders like Angelman syndrome and autism to better understand causes and improve treatments for children.
-
Synaptic nanostructure in neurodevelopmental disorders
This project aims to map the tiny architecture of brain synapses in native cells to understand how connections form and change in neurodevelopmental disorders.
-
Maternal acetaminophen use in pregnancy and ADHD risk in children
A large study will follow thousands of mother-child pairs to see if taking acetaminophen during pregnancy relates to ADHD in kids.
-
GDF11’s role in brain development and autism-related disorders
A new NIH grant tests whether adjusting a growth factor called GDF11 can improve brain function and behaviors in models related to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
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.