Understanding how brain cells choose specific genes for proper wiring
Official title: How genome architecture controls Protocadherin gene choice at single-allele resolution
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11071771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain cells choose certain genes that help them connect properly, using special imaging to see the DNA structure in individual cells, and it’s aimed at understanding how these choices affect brain function, especially in the sense of smell.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $47,225 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DC022526-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071771 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or those interested in the genetic and developmental aspects of brain function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to brain wiring or genetic expression may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind how brain cells select specific Protocadherin genes, which are crucial for the proper wiring of the brain. By using advanced imaging techniques to visualize the 3D structure of DNA in individual cells, the study aims to uncover how these genes are regulated during development and maintained throughout a neuron’s life. The research focuses on neurons in the olfactory epithelium, aiming to link gene expression choices to the physical architecture of the genome. This could provide insights into the fundamental processes that govern brain connectivity and function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of brain wiring, potentially informing treatments for neurological conditions such as autism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding gene regulation through similar genomic architecture approaches, indicating a potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buckley, Alexander — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Buckley, Alexander
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How cancer cells use exosomes to evade the immune system
This study is looking at how cancer cells use tiny bubbles called exosomes to hide proteins that can keep your immune system from fighting the tumor, and by figuring this out, the researchers hope to help doctors understand why some people respond well to cancer treatments while others don’t, ultimately aiming to creat
-
Reducing harm from smoking using electronic cigarettes
This study is looking at whether using electronic cigarettes can be a safer option for people who smoke traditional cigarettes, by comparing the health effects and exposure to harmful substances between the two.
-
Understanding how knee pain and knee obesity and muscle loss affect knee osteoarthritis
This project looks at how knee swelling, excess knee fat, and muscle loss relate to pain and structural changes in knee osteoarthritis in adults.
-
Cutaneous opioid signals in skin inflammation
A mentor-identified clinician-researcher at UCSF is studying how natural skin opioids regulate itch and pain in inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and hidradenitis, with plans to map where these opioids come from and how they affect skin nerves.
-
Pooling international data to understand long-term bisphosphonate use and atypical femur fractures
This project combines large patient datasets from multiple countries to understand how long-term bisphosphonate use relates to rare hip and thigh bone fractures, helping doctors and patients make safer treatment choices.
-
Airway cell and immune cell talks in lung transplant failure
This grant tests how airway cells and immune cells interact to drive chronic rejection after lung transplant, with the goal of slowing or preventing scar-like damage.
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.