Understanding shared genetic causes of intellectual and developmental disorders
Identifying transcriptomic and epigenomic convergence in intellectual and developmental disorders
This research looks for common genetic changes that lead to intellectual and developmental disorders, hoping to find new ways to help many patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170029 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Intellectual and developmental disorders (IDDs) affect many people, and while we know of nearly 1,000 genes linked to them, it's hard to create a unique treatment for each one. This project explores a new idea: grouping IDD-related genes by shared biological pathways or mechanisms, focusing on a type of gene called chromatin modifiers. We will use human brain cells grown in the lab from stem cells to model these genetic changes and look for common patterns in how genes are turned on or off.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with intellectual and developmental disorders caused by genetic changes, particularly those involving chromatin modifiers, as it aims to inform future therapies.
Not a fit: Patients without intellectual and developmental disorders or those whose conditions are not linked to the genetic pathways being studied may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that target shared causes of intellectual and developmental disorders, potentially helping a wider range of patients.
How similar studies have performed: This project proposes an alternative approach to grouping IDD-associated genes, suggesting it is a novel strategy rather than a direct replication of previously successful methods.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dhindsa, Ryan — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Dhindsa, Ryan
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 below.