Understanding how genes affect brain development and disorders like autism
Official title: Defining and perturbing gene regulatory dynamics in the developing human brain
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11064833 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how differences in our genes can affect brain development and potentially lead to conditions like autism, using advanced techniques to better understand how these changes happen in brain cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $597,838 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS128028-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064833 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with autism spectrum disorder or those interested in the genetic factors affecting brain development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any genetic predisposition to developmental disorders or those not affected by autism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex processes involved in human brain development, focusing on how genetic variations can disrupt normal development and lead to conditions such as autism. By generating large-scale single-cell data sets, the team aims to create models that predict the effects of genetic changes on gene expression during brain development. They will utilize advanced techniques, including CRISPR, to map and perturb gene regulatory dynamics in human brain organoids, which mimic fetal brain differentiation. This approach will help uncover the underlying mechanisms of brain development and its associated disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potential treatments for autism and other developmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using similar genetic and developmental approaches to understand brain disorders, indicating a potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greenleaf, William James — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Greenleaf, William James
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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.