VIP Interneurons and Brain Circuits in Tuberous Sclerosis

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project will explore how deleting the Tsc1 gene changes VIP interneuron function and the medial prefrontal cortex, aiming to link developmental changes to circuit activity. By studying how TSC1/2 normally keeps cell growth in check, researchers hope to connect molecular disruptions to brain wiring and behavior. The work builds on preliminary evidence from a mouse model showing VIP-disinhibitory circuits are altered in TSC, and it aims to map how these changes relate to cognitive and behavioral outcomes. The findings could inform future strategies to target brain circuits affected in TSC and related neurodevelopmental disorders.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
  East Lansing, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Crandall, Shane R — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
• Study coordinator: Crandall, Shane R

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Clinical Readiness to Treat Tuberous Sclerosis–Related Neuropsychiatric Issues

  A large NIH grant aims to ready treatments for the neuropsychiatric and developmental challenges that many people with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) face, including autism-like symptoms and sleep or sensory problems.

  NIH research Boston Children's Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11400766

• Understanding why renal tumors in TSC resist therapy to guide new nano-based treatments

  Researchers are studying why kidney tumors in TSC patients resist current drugs, with the goal of designing smarter, more effective treatments that could help people with TSC-related AML.

  NIH research Brigham and Women's Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11345874

• Immune causes of kidney disease in tuberous sclerosis

  The team is looking at whether immune cells and a protein called B7-H3 help kidney cysts and growths in people with tuberous sclerosis complex.

  NIH research Brigham and Women's Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11324582

• Improving care for autism, learning, sleep, and behavior issues in tuberous sclerosis

  This project develops user-friendly tools, follows patients over time, and searches for sleep, sensory, and brain-activity markers to help people with tuberous sclerosis complex who have autism, intellectual disability, or other neuropsychiatric challenges.

  NIH research Boston Children's Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11173360

• Investigating the role of specific proteins in kidney disease related to Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.

  This study is looking at how certain proteins affect kidney problems in people with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, with the hope of finding better treatments that could help improve kidney health and reduce the need for long-term medication.

  NIH research Brigham and Women's Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11118807

• Understanding early communication in children with tuberous sclerosis complex and its link to autism.

  This study is looking at how babies with tuberous sclerosis complex learn to communicate and how those skills might relate to the severity of autism, by watching videos of their vocal sounds and interactions over time.

  NIH research University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · Memphis, United States · NIH-11105881

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.