Understanding how to create diverse inhibitory neurons for brain health
Official title: Programs for generating inhibitory interneuron diversity and connectivity
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11059067 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how to create different types of brain cells that help keep our minds working well, which could help us understand and find better treatments for conditions like autism and Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 20, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $686,802 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH133381-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059067 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism or Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neuropsychiatric disorders or those who do not have any neurological issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the generation of diverse inhibitory interneurons, which are crucial for proper brain function and are linked to conditions like autism and Alzheimer's disease. The team will utilize advanced techniques to identify genetic programs that dictate the specialization of these neurons. By reprogramming cells in the lab, they aim to produce specific types of interneurons that can be used for studying diseases and testing potential treatments. This work could lead to better understanding and therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for conditions like autism and Alzheimer's disease by improving our understanding of how to generate and utilize inhibitory neurons.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding interneuron functions and their roles in various neurological conditions, indicating that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baldwin, Kristin Kay — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Baldwin, Kristin Kay
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.