Understanding Brain Development and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Elucidating Regulation of Cell Fate Specification in Human Cortical Development to Understand Etiology of Neurodevelopment Disorders
This project aims to learn how the human brain develops its complex outer layer to better understand conditions like neurodevelopmental disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170016 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains have a special outer layer called the cortex, which helps us with thinking, decision-making, and understanding our senses. This project looks closely at how different types of cells in the cortex form and organize themselves during development. By studying existing detailed maps of the developing human brain, we hope to uncover the specific genetic instructions that guide this process. Understanding these early steps is crucial because many neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders are linked to problems in how the cortex forms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation but seeks to understand the biological origins of conditions affecting individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of the root causes of neurodevelopmental disorders, potentially paving the way for new ways to prevent or treat them.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of large-scale human brain atlases is a relatively new approach, previous efforts have successfully generated extensive data on developing human cortex, providing a strong foundation for this work.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bhaduri, Aparna — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Bhaduri, Aparna
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 below.