Understanding how autism and schizophrenia risk genes affect brain development
Official title: Highly Parallel Analysis of High-Confidence ASD and Schizophrenia Risk Gene Mechanisms
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11606500 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are testing how mutations in certain autism and schizophrenia risk genes change brain cells and networks, using patient-derived cells and organoids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2026 |
| Project end | August 16, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $772,569 |
| NIH project number | 1R56MH143740-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11606500 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk for autism spectrum disorder or related neuropsychiatric conditions who may contribute genetically characterized cell lines or samples.
✕Less likely to help
The study uses lab-grown cells and organoids and does not involve direct patient participation or treatment.
What this research studies
This project uses a scalable system of human iPSC-derived neurons and 3D cortical organoids to study about 50 risk genes linked to autism and schizophrenia. Researchers will create mutant and control cell lines, turn them into 2D neuron cultures, and use high-content imaging to look at growth and cell shape. They will also measure gene activity with RNA sequencing, analyze protein changes, and monitor neural activity to see how mutations disrupt networks in the brain. The goal is to find shared dysfunctions across disorders that could guide future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could highlight common pathways disrupted in autism and related conditions, informing future targeted therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using patient-derived neurons and organoids have revealed meaningful disease mechanisms, supporting the validity of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Xiangdong William — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Yang, Xiangdong William
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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.