Understanding how a specific genetic deletion affects reward responses in the brain.
Official title: Defining the molecular impact of 16p11.2 deletion on reward response in striatal dopamine receptor D1-expressing neurons
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10875275 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific genetic change affects brain cells that help us feel rewards, especially in people with conditions like Autism and ADHD, using mice to learn more about how these changes might help us find better ways to support those individuals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $35,829 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MH134542-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875275 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, particularly those with a known genetic deletion in the 16p11.2 region.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without neurodevelopmental disorders or those whose conditions are unrelated to the 16p11.2 deletion may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of a genetic deletion on brain cells that are crucial for processing rewards, particularly in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. By using a mouse model that mimics the human condition, the study aims to explore how these brain cells, known as dopamine receptor D1-expressing neurons, behave differently when the genetic deletion is present. The researchers will analyze the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie these changes, which could lead to better understanding and potential interventions for these disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and therapeutic strategies for treating neurodevelopmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully utilized similar genetic models to study neurodevelopmental disorders, indicating a promising avenue for understanding these conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelvington, Benjamin — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Kelvington, Benjamin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Healthier Workplace Center for the Midwest
A multi-site NIH grant aims to improve the health and well-being of workers by coordinating research and sharing evidence-based strategies.
-
Serotonin pathways and how they help recovery after seizures
A researcher is studying how serotonin-related brain circuits influence waking up after seizures, using mouse models to understand why some people with epilepsy have dangerous breathing pauses after seizures.
-
Serotonin brain circuit clues to safer sleep after seizures
Aims to understand how brain serotonin systems and CO2-triggered arousal affect recovery after seizures in mouse models to reduce SUDEP risk.
-
Improved ICU Mobility Care through a Smart Guideline in the EHR
A hospital study will test a smart tool in the electronic health record to help ICU teams identify when to start patient-friendly mobility activities and coordinate a plan tailored to each patient.
-
Ultrasound biomarkers to diagnose and predict treatment response for plantar heel pain
A study will test advanced ultrasound imaging to find biomarkers that help diagnose plantar heel pain and predict who will respond to targeted treatments.
-
Pain and aging: how nerve cells become more sensitive with age
This project looks at why older adults often have chronic pain by studying how nerve cells in aging animals become more sensitive and how inflammation might drive this change.
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.