Understanding How Brain Circuits Form
Subplate-dependent mechanisms of cortical circuit assembly
This research explores how special brain cells help guide the connections that form in a baby's brain, which is important for healthy brain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159475 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how specific brain cells, called subplate neurons, play a crucial role in building the complex wiring of the brain during development. These subplate neurons act like guides, helping brain cells connect properly to form circuits essential for thinking, sensing, and moving. We are particularly interested in understanding the genetic instructions that tell these subplate neurons how to do their job. Our recent findings suggest that a gene called ARID1A is very important for these guiding functions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future studies building on this work might seek individuals with developmental brain disorders or specific genetic mutations like ARID1A.
Not a fit: Patients without developmental brain disorders or conditions related to early brain wiring may not directly benefit from this specific basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding how these brain circuits form could lead to new ways to help children with developmental brain disorders, especially those linked to genes like ARID1A.
How similar studies have performed: While the general role of subplate neurons is known, the genetic details of how they guide brain wiring, especially involving genes like ARID1A, are a new and promising area of discovery.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kwan, Kenneth Yu-Chung — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Kwan, Kenneth Yu-Chung
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.