Understanding how chemicals affect brain development and activity
Defining the Chemical Perturbome of Neural Development and Activity
This project aims to create a comprehensive guide to how different chemicals impact brain development and function, especially in relation to conditions like autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11009704 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains develop through millions of precise cellular decisions, and small molecules can influence these decisions by interacting with important proteins. This work seeks to build a 'dictionary' of chemical compounds and their effects on the brain, which could help us identify environmental factors that contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. We will use larval zebrafish as a testing ground to screen many chemicals, observing their impact on behavior, brain activity, and brain structure. The goal is to find new ways to classify harmful environmental substances and discover potential treatments for conditions like autism and intellectual disability.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is designed to benefit individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders like autism by identifying potential causes and treatments.
Not a fit: Patients will not receive direct medical benefit from participating in this laboratory-based research, as it does not involve direct patient intervention or treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of environmental neurotoxins and accelerate the discovery of new treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon validated screening pipelines and recently developed methods for whole-brain activity mapping, suggesting a strong foundation for its novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thyme, Summer B — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Thyme, Summer B
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.