Understanding how brain cells develop in the cerebellum
Official title: Regulatory mechanisms of cerebellar lineage development
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11088845 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain brain cells that help with movement and thinking develop in babies, especially those born early, to understand what goes wrong when these cells don’t form properly, which could help find new treatments for brain development issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $558,714 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131495-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088845 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and children diagnosed with conditions related to cerebellar development, such as autism spectrum disorder or ataxia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed cerebellar function or those without any neurological developmental disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the development of granule cells in the cerebellum, which are crucial for motor control and cognitive functions. It focuses on the regulatory mechanisms that govern the lineage of these cells from precursors during early development. By studying specific transcription factors and their interactions, the research aims to uncover how disruptions in these processes can lead to conditions like cerebellar hypoplasia, particularly in premature infants. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for developmental brain disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new understanding and potential treatments for developmental brain disorders associated with cerebellar hypoplasia.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding cell lineage development in the brain, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chiang, Chin — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Chiang, Chin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how peer norms around alcohol and HIV prevention affect adolescents and young adults in rural Uganda
This project studies how what young people think their peers do or approve of influences drinking and HIV prevention behaviors in rural Uganda, with the goal of improving health outcomes.
-
Cancer Pain Management for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors with Depressive Symptoms
A technology-based program helps Asian American breast cancer survivors with depressive symptoms manage chronic pain more effectively from home using a web app and mobile tools.
-
Targeted gene silencing in the brain using siRNA helpers
This grant tests a new way to turn off specific brain genes in particular CNS cell types using siRNA conjugates to help understand brain biology and disease.
-
RSELVES Study: How older couples influence daily life and function with Alzheimer’s risk
A study to understand how daily routines and support between older adults and their partners relate to the development of Alzheimer’s-related functional decline.
-
Molecular mechanisms of coat assembly and regulation in membrane trafficking
A research project seeks to understand how cellular coats organize and regulate the delivery of membrane-bound cargo, with a focus on proteins related to neurological diseases.
-
Synaptic nanostructure in neurodevelopmental disorders
This project aims to map the tiny architecture of brain synapses in native cells to understand how connections form and change in neurodevelopmental disorders.
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.