Understanding how neuron dysfunction affects learning and seizures in children
Official title: Inhibitory neuron dysfunction in intellectual disability and epilepsy
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11061199 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gene called CASK might cause intellectual disabilities and seizures in kids, using mice to learn more about how problems in certain brain cells can affect thinking and lead to seizures, with the hope of finding better treatments for children who need help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 14, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $51,660 |
| NIH project number | 5F30HD114410-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061199 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have been diagnosed with CASK-related disorders or similar neurodevelopmental conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have intellectual disabilities or epilepsy related to CASK dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific gene, CASK, in causing intellectual disabilities and epilepsy in children. By studying mouse models, the researchers aim to uncover how dysfunction in inhibitory neurons leads to cognitive deficits and seizure disorders. The approach involves genetic manipulations and various techniques to assess both cognitive and seizure-related symptoms. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve treatment options for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate symptoms of intellectual disability and epilepsy in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on similar genetic disorders has shown promise in understanding the underlying mechanisms, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jiang, Kevin — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Jiang, Kevin
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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.