Understanding how the developing brain becomes active before receiving sensory input
Official title: Identifying the cells and circuits driving stimulus-independent activity throughout the developing Drosophila brain
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10997268 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the developing brain of fruit flies works on its own, without any outside sensory information, to understand how different parts of the brain communicate and grow, which could help us learn more about brain development and disorders in humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $47,936 |
| NIH project number | 1F31NS139660-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997268 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for potential benefit include individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders or those interested in brain development, particularly children and young adults.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed nervous systems or those not affected by neurodevelopmental issues may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the early activity of the developing brain, particularly how it functions independently of sensory input. By studying the fruit fly, Drosophila, researchers aim to uncover whether this activity is coordinated across different brain regions and how it influences the development of healthy nervous systems. The approach involves examining neuronal connections and their organization during critical developmental stages, which could provide insights into neurodevelopmental disorders. The findings may help clarify the role of early brain activity in shaping behavior and brain maturation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and inform strategies for promoting healthy brain development.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach in this research is novel, studies on early brain activity in other models have shown promising results in understanding brain development.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suarez, Sassan Leo — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Suarez, Sassan Leo
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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.