Study of alterations in neuronal migration in an autism spectrum disorder using brain assembloids

• Grant number: 25/09026-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Principal Investigator: Fabio Papes
• Grantee: João Gabriel Ribeiro Bueno
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/12762-1 - Investigation of alterations in neuronal migration in an autism spectrum disorder using human cellular models and animal models, AP.TEM

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders comprise a group of neuropsychiatric illnesses caused by neurodevelopmental problems and characterized by altered social behavior, impaired communication, and repetitive behavioral patterns. Since the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms of these disorders have not yet been fully elucidated, there are no specific treatment methods. Clinical and neuropathological evidence obtained over the last decade points to abnormalities in the development of the cerebral cortex suggestive of defects in neuronal migration. However, causal relationships between the genetic alterations present in patients, migration defects during brain formation, and clinical characteristics have not yet been established. This postdoctoral research project includes the generation of brain assembloids (3D in vitro cellular models) derived from patients with a monogenic autism spectrum disorder. These models will be investigated to evaluate numerous altered cellular and molecular phenotypes regarding cell and axonal migration, through tracing experiments and the use of the mGRASP methodology. We anticipate that the project will lead to significant innovation through the identification of novel pathological mechanisms in autism.