Understanding how sensory experiences affect brain cell activity in autism.
Official title: Sensory regulation of interneuron intrinsic excitability in sensorycortex
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11004288 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain brain cells change their behavior when they experience different senses, especially in relation to autism, using mice to help us learn more about how these changes might affect brain function in people with autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $393,234 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS134639-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004288 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or those exhibiting related sensory processing challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurological disorders unrelated to sensory processing or autism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how inhibitory interneurons in the cerebral cortex adapt their activity in response to sensory experiences, particularly in the context of autism. By studying mouse models, the researchers aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these changes and how they may contribute to the dysfunction of brain circuits in autism. The study employs advanced techniques such as immunohistochemistry and RNA sequencing to analyze the signaling pathways involved in this process. The goal is to better understand the role of sensory deprivation on brain cell excitability and its implications for autism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the biological underpinnings of autism and potential therapeutic targets for improving brain function in affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that understanding sensory processing and interneuron function can lead to significant advancements in autism research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feldman, Daniel — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Feldman, Daniel
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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.