MSU biochemist receives $2.8 million NIH grant for epigenetic research on autism spectrum disorder

trueBiochemistry,College of Natural Science06/15/2023MSU biochemist receives $2.8 million NIH grant for epigenetic research on autism spectrum disorder

Michigan State University biochemist Jin He recently received a five year, $2.8 million R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue his investigation into the role of the ASH1L (Absent, Small, or Hometoic discs 1-Like) gene in the origins of autism spectrum disorder and, specifically, the impact of epigenetics—non-genetic processes that regulate gene expression.

Michigan State University biochemist Jin He received $2.8M grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue his investigation into the role of the ASH1L gene in the origins of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
In the United States alone, 2.6% of children younger than eight years old have ASD, and more than 5 million adults live with it as well.
Little is known about the exact mechanisms underlying ASH1L’s function in the development of autistic-like symptoms.
He and his team have made significant discoveries by using innovative models that “knock out” the ASH1L gene in the brains of mice, raising exciting possibilities for therapeutics and a future human cure.

Connor Yeck

NIHautism spectrum disorderbiochemistrybrain functiongene expression