Understanding genetic networks in autism and bipolar disorders to improve biology and treatment
Official title: Delineating the network effects of mental disorder-associated variants using convex optimization methods
Funded at New York Genome Center · NIH-11352565 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research grant will study how genetic factors influence autism and bipolar disorder by using advanced math and large genetic datasets to map networks in the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York Genome Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $773,033 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130879-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11352565 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with autistic disorder or bipolar disorder who have available genetic data and consent for research use.
✕Less likely to help
People without these conditions or without access to genetic data for research may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses big genetic data from people with autism and bipolar disorder to identify how genes interact and contribute to disease risk. It will apply new convex optimization methods to find shared and distinct genetic components across conditions and to map gene regulatory networks in the brain. The goal is to uncover clearer biological pathways that could eventually inform new approaches to prevention and treatment. Results will come from collaborations with international groups and will emphasize reproducible analysis across diverse populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal key genetic pathways that underlie autism and bipolar disorder, guiding future therapies and personalized care.
How similar studies have gone: Similar large-scale genetic studies have identified polygenic patterns; this project builds on established methods with a novel multi-trait and network-focused approach.
Where this research is happening
-
New York Genome Center
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knowles, David Arthur — New York Genome Center
- Study coordinator: Knowles, David Arthur
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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.