Brain Metabolic Dysfunction as a Mechanism of Autism Spectrum Disorder
About This Grant
PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (henceforth, autism/autistic) exhibit repetitive behaviors and deficits in social cognition and communication, often accompanied by co-occurring neurological, psychiatric, and/or health conditions. Autism affects one in 36 children in the United States, and optimal support for this large population depends on a clear causal model of core deficits. Autism has been linked to numerous genetic variants, and neuroimaging research points to altered connectivity as a consistent feature of the autistic brain. However, the neurobiological mechanisms that give rise to social cognition deficits in autism remain poorly understood. The proposed project will investigate brain metabolic dysfunction as a central mechanism underlying altered brain connectivity and social cognition deficits in autistic adolescents relative to non-autistic peers. We will investigate metabolic dysfunction by using non-invasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to measure metabolites, natural chemicals in the brain that serve as markers of metabolic dysfunction. We will study three metabolic systems involved in brain development and functioning: the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle, energy metabolism, and phospholipid metabolism (Aim 3). In addition, we will acquire magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of functional and structural brain connectivity, and test whether dysfunction in each metabolic system is related to social cognition via altered brain connectivity. Specific Aim 1 will examine the association between glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle dysfunction, functional connectivity, and social cognition in autism. Specific Aim 2 will identify alterations in brain energy metabolism in autism and examine associations between brain energy metabolism and functional connectivity and social cognition. Specific Aim 3 will investigate phospholipid metabolic dysfunction as a source of weakened structural connectivity and impaired social cognition in autism. Together, these aims will enable us to define mechanistic pathways underlying core autism symptoms from metabolism to brain connectivity to cognition. Identifying metabolic dysfunction of specific systems in autism will provide new insight to guide targeted interventions that mitigate core social deficits by modulating dysfunctional metabolic processes in the brain. Importantly, this career development award will provide the candidate, who has a strong background in developmental psychology and pediatric neuroimaging, with additional training needed to successfully transition to an independent research career. The training objectives of this award include specific training in (1) the cognitive profile of autism, (2) functional connectivity analysis, and (3) advanced MRS methods under the guidance of world-class mentors in each of these areas. This training is critical to the candidate’s success as an independent investigator who advances the understanding of neurobiological mechanisms of autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Grant Summary
Brain Metabolic Dysfunction as a Mechanism of Autism Spectrum Disorder is a NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health grant providing up to $125K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2028-06-30 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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How to Apply
Up to $125K
2028-06-30
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Brain Metabolic Dysfunction as a Mechanism of Autism Spectrum Disorder from NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health before the deadline.
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Brain Metabolic Dysfunction as a Mechanism of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Brain Metabolic Dysfunction as a Mechanism of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Brain Metabolic Dysfunction as a Mechanism of Autism Spectrum Disorder is offered by NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Brain Metabolic Dysfunction as a Mechanism of Autism Spectrum Disorder provide?
Brain Metabolic Dysfunction as a Mechanism of Autism Spectrum Disorder provides up to $125K per award from NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Brain Metabolic Dysfunction as a Mechanism of Autism Spectrum Disorder deadline?
Applications for Brain Metabolic Dysfunction as a Mechanism of Autism Spectrum Disorder are due 2028-06-30 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Brain Metabolic Dysfunction as a Mechanism of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
To apply for Brain Metabolic Dysfunction as a Mechanism of Autism Spectrum Disorder, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health.