Understanding how brain circuits develop and change in autism and related conditions
Official title: Role of Intracortical Mechanisms Vs. Bottom-Up Influences in Developmental Desynchronization of Cortical Network Activity
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11071383 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how brain circuits grow and change as we develop, especially focusing on conditions like autism and epilepsy, to help us understand what happens in the brain and how it affects thinking and perception.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $44,924 |
| NIH project number | 1F30HD117619-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071383 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or related neurodevelopmental conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have autism or related neurodevelopmental conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the maturation of cortical circuits in the brain, focusing on how their activity patterns change from synchronous bursts to more asynchronous firing as individuals develop. By examining these changes, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and epilepsy. The approach involves advanced techniques to analyze neuronal activity in the brain, which could lead to a better understanding of how these conditions arise and progress. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the biological processes that affect their cognitive and perceptual abilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential interventions for neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cortical network activity in relation to neurodevelopmental conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Michelle W. — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Wu, Michelle W.
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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.