Understanding how Fbxo16 controls neuron development
Official title: Protein Degradation Pathways in Neurogenesis: The Critical Role of Fbox E3 ligases
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-11359949 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how a neural protein, Fbxo16, helps nerve cells form and mature, using a frog embryo model to uncover its role in autism-related brain development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | May 20, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $585,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R15NS145029-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11359949 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with autism spectrum disorder or related neurodevelopmental conditions, whose caregivers may seek information about underlying brain development mechanisms and future trial opportunities.
✕Less likely to help
This basic research does not involve direct patient treatment and may not benefit individuals seeking immediate clinical therapies.
What this research studies
This project looks at Fbxo16, a brain-specific protein, to see how it influences when and how neurons form during early brain development. Using Xenopus laevis embryos, the team will tweak Fbxo16 levels in neural tissue and observe effects on a key neural factor, Neurog2, including whether altered Fbxo16 changes neuron numbers through cell growth or death. They will also identify which proteins Fbxo16 targets and how those targets affect neuron formation. The work aims to reveal mechanisms that could be relevant to autism by connecting protein degradation pathways to neural development processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could clarify molecular pathways involved in autism and point toward new ideas for therapies that support proper neuron formation.
How similar studies have gone: Similar studies in model organisms have helped map how protein degradation impacts neural development, supporting the potential relevance of Fbxo16 pathways.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Silva, Elena M — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Silva, Elena 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.