Somatic mutations in autism spectrum disorder
About This Grant
PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT This NIH K08 proposal describes a four-year career development training program in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) genomics research. With this research program, Dr. Mo will develop expertise in human genetics, analysis of next-generation sequencing data, and interpretation of somatic variants in non-neoplastic tissue. These skills complement Dr. Mo’s prior research and clinical training and ideally position her to transition to an independent investigator position studying somatic mutations in ASD. Dr. Mo’s mentor for this proposal is Dr. Christopher A. Walsh, a Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, an HHMI Investigator at Boston Children’s Hospital, and a leader in the genetics of human neurological diseases. With over 25 years of mentorship experience, Dr. Walsh has an established track record of mentoring trainees to successful academic careers in biomedical research. Dr. Mo will be supported by a scientific advisory team and collaborators with complementary expertise in autism genetics, computational genomics, genotype-phenotype correlations of somatic mutations, and career mentorship. The institutional resources available at Boston Children’s Hospital, which is affiliated with Harvard Medical School, are world- class and provide an ideal environment to foster the development of a physician-scientist career. The primary scientific objective of the proposed research plan is to study the role of somatic (post- zygotic) variants in ASD. Dr. Mo’s central hypothesis is that somatic variants contribute to ASD risk. Dr. Mo provides pilot data indicating that somatic single nucleotide variants (sSNVs) are increased in gene exons in ASD probands compared to controls, particularly in highly constrained genes with loss-of-function intolerance. Furthermore, Dr. Mo shows that sSNVs in non-coding gene regulatory regions can be efficiently detected using ATAC-seq, which allows the detection of non-coding sSNVs in larger sample sizes than previously possible using whole genome sequencing. To achieve the research objective, a combination of whole exome sequencing, ATAC-seq, whole genome sequencing, amplicon sequencing, and computational analysis will be used. These strategies will systemically examine two independent, but related, aims: (1) the burden of sSNVs in functionally-relevant genes in ASD compared to neurotypical individuals; and (2) the distribution of sSNVs in non-coding gene regulatory regions in postmortem human brain neurons from ASD and neurotypical individuals. Findings from this study may improve our understanding of the genetic architecture and mechanisms of ASD as well as the genetic diagnosis of ASD in clinical practice.
Grant Summary
Somatic mutations in autism spectrum disorder is a NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health grant providing up to $181K 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 $181K
2028-06-30
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Somatic mutations in 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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Somatic mutations in autism spectrum disorder: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Somatic mutations in autism spectrum disorder?
Somatic mutations in 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 Somatic mutations in autism spectrum disorder provide?
Somatic mutations in autism spectrum disorder provides up to $181K 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 Somatic mutations in autism spectrum disorder deadline?
Applications for Somatic mutations in 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 Somatic mutations in autism spectrum disorder?
To apply for Somatic mutations in 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.