Understanding Genetic Differences in Developing Brain Cells
Official title: 2/2 - Identification and Validation of Expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTLs) in discrete cell types across human brain development
Funded at University of Oxford · NIH-11171422 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at how genetic differences affect brain development from before birth through teenage years, hoping to understand conditions like Alzheimer's and other brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oxford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oxford, United Kingdom) |
| Project start | February 10, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $440,542 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH122681-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11171422 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research uses existing human brain tissue samples from different developmental stages, rather than recruiting new participants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not benefit from this basic science project.
What this research studies
Our brains change a lot as we grow, from before we are born through our teenage years. This project aims to discover how tiny genetic differences between people might influence these important developmental steps. By studying brain tissue samples, we can see how genes are turned on or off in specific brain cells and how these patterns might be linked to conditions like Alzheimer's disease or other brain-related challenges. This work helps us build a clearer picture of how our genes shape our brain's health over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us better understand the genetic roots of brain development issues and disorders, potentially leading to new ways to identify or treat them in the future.
How similar studies have gone: This project builds upon earlier efforts to map genetic variations and gene expression in the human brain, aiming to significantly expand our current knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oxford
Oxford, United Kingdom Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sanders, Stephan — University of Oxford
- Study coordinator: Sanders, Stephan
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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.