Understanding how brain cells develop during early life.
Developmental Timing During Cortical Development
This study is looking at how different types of brain cells, especially astrocytes that help keep our brains healthy, develop in the human brain and how things like genes and the environment can affect this process, which could help us understand brain development and related disorders better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11086763 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the development of diverse cell types in the human cerebral cortex, focusing on astrocytes, which are crucial for brain function. By examining how genetic mutations and environmental factors influence the differentiation of these cells from radial glia during various stages of development, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of brain development. The research employs advanced experimental methods to map the timing and characteristics of astrocyte development, which could provide insights into neurodevelopmental disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic mutations linked to brain development abnormalities or neurodevelopmental disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with established brain injuries or conditions unrelated to developmental processes may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding brain cell development, but this specific approach to studying astrocyte differentiation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nowakowski, Tomasz — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Nowakowski, Tomasz
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 below.