Understanding how different types of brain cells develop and mature their connections
Official title: Identifying mechanisms ofsynapse maturation at neuronal subtype resolution
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10876370 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how connections between brain cells develop and change, focusing on different types of brain cells, to better understand why some brain disorders, like autism, happen.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $90,944 |
| NIH project number | 5K99MH131832-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10876370 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or related neurodevelopmental conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with brain disorders unrelated to synaptic dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the development and maturation of synapses, which are the connections between neurons, focusing on over 100 different types of neurons in the human brain. By analyzing the proteins involved in synapse formation and their changes during brain development, the study aims to uncover how these processes differ among neuronal subtypes. This could help identify the underlying mechanisms of synaptic dysfunction, which is linked to various brain disorders, including autism. The research employs advanced techniques such as proteomics and single-cell RNA sequencing to gather detailed insights into synaptic diversity and maturation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of brain disorders and potentially inform new therapeutic strategies for conditions like autism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding synaptic mechanisms in other brain disorders, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Li — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Wang, Li
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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.