Understanding how certain brain cells refine connections during early development
Official title: Synapse Engulfment by Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells: A New Mechanism of Circuit Refinement in the Developing Brain
Funded at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory · NIH-11042156 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how young children's brains get rid of extra connections as they grow, and how their experiences with the world around them help shape this process, with the hope of finding new ways to support kids with neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cold Spring Harbor, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $580,283 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131486-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042156 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research are children aged 0-11 years, particularly those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 0-11 years or those without neurodevelopmental disorders may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the process by which the brain eliminates excess synapses during development, particularly in young children. It focuses on how sensory experiences influence this synapse elimination, which is crucial for proper brain function. By studying the roles of specific brain cells, such as microglia and astrocytes, the research aims to uncover new mechanisms that could lead to therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. The approach involves advanced imaging techniques to observe these processes in real-time in animal models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders, improving outcomes for affected children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding synapse elimination, but this specific approach focusing on sensory experience and its impact on neurodevelopmental disorders is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Cold Spring Harbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheadle, Lucas M — Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Cheadle, Lucas M
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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.