Understanding how specific proteins affect brain development in children with autism and intellectual disabilities
Official title: Chemical Genetic Dissection of SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeling Complex Functions in Cerebral Cortex Development
Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11060030 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the brain help with its development and how changes in these proteins might be linked to autism and intellectual disabilities, using special stem cell models to learn more about the genes involved, which could help find new ways to treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $509,034 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS126921-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060030 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 autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific proteins, particularly those in the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, in brain development and how mutations in these proteins may contribute to conditions like autism and intellectual disabilities. By using advanced stem cell models, the researchers aim to uncover the gene regulatory networks that control cell development in the brain. This could lead to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms behind these disorders and potentially identify new therapeutic targets. The study focuses on the cellular processes that are disrupted when certain genes are mutated, which is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for children with autism and intellectual disabilities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic basis of autism and intellectual disabilities, making this approach a continuation of established scientific inquiry.
Where this research is happening
-
Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vierbuchen, Thomas S — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Vierbuchen, Thomas S
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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.