Using mouse models to understand genes behind autism and related brain conditions
Systematic and scalable phenotyping of mouse mutants for neuropsychiatric disease genetics
This project uses many mouse models with autism-linked gene changes to learn how those genes alter brain cells and behavior for people with autism and similar conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237618 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers will study over 100 different mouse lines that carry genetic changes linked to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. They will monitor behavior using automated home-cage systems and machine-learning analysis, map brain anatomy, and measure gene activity at single-nucleus and spatial levels. The team will combine these data to find molecular and spatial brain changes tied to each mutation, share the results with a consortium, and build a mouse neuropsychiatric brain bank so others can replicate findings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autism or family members who carry known genetic variants linked to autism may be able to contribute data or samples now or be candidates for related future studies.
Not a fit: Patients without the specific genetic changes being modeled, or whose condition has non-genetic causes, may not see direct benefit from these particular mouse-based findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal how specific autism-associated genes change brain circuits and behavior, pointing to new targets for treatments or diagnostics.
How similar studies have performed: Mouse-model behavioral and molecular mapping approaches have previously helped reveal disease mechanisms, but this project's large scale and machine-learning integration make it a broader and more systematic effort.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dougherty, Joseph D — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Dougherty, Joseph D
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.