Understanding how calcium channel problems contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism
Official title: Dissecting the Role of Ca2+ Channel Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11129221 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with calcium channels in the brain might play a role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and it hopes to find ways to help people with ASD by understanding their unique genetic traits better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 14, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $743,995 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH137160-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129221 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or those with a family history of neurodevelopmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders not linked to calcium channel dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of calcium channels in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It aims to identify how dysfunction in these channels affects brain signaling and contributes to the development of ASD. By studying genetic variants linked to calcium channel function, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms that lead to these disorders. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to targeted therapies or interventions based on their specific genetic profiles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders, improving outcomes for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of calcium signaling in neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dick, Ivy E — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Dick, Ivy E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Intergenerational factors in neurodevelopmental disorders
This project looks at how experiences before and during pregnancy across generations may influence the risk of neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD, autism, and related disorders in grandchildren.
-
Understanding brain signals in autism to identify biologically distinct subtypes
This study uses EEG to link how the brain processes sensory information with behavior in young children with autism and related concerns.
-
Clinical Translational Research Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders
A funded center supports research on neurodevelopmental disorders like Angelman syndrome and autism to better understand causes and improve treatments for children.
-
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.
-
Maternal acetaminophen use in pregnancy and ADHD risk in children
A large study will follow thousands of mother-child pairs to see if taking acetaminophen during pregnancy relates to ADHD in kids.
-
GDF11’s role in brain development and autism-related disorders
A new NIH grant tests whether adjusting a growth factor called GDF11 can improve brain function and behaviors in models related to autism and other 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.