# MOLECULAR ASPECTS OF MENTAL RETARDATION

> **NIH NIH P01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · 1994 · $921,683

## Abstract

The objective of this research proposal is to continue the collaborative
activities of an established program project, involving five
multidisciplinary research groups.  These groups share clinical,
biochemical, cellular and molecular biological knowledge to elucidate:  (1)
the molecular mechanisms of inborn errors of metabolism and environmental
events associated with mental retardation (Projects I, II, and IV); (2)
gene regulation (Projects I, II, III, V, and VI); (3) brain development and
differentiation (Projects II, III, V, and VI); (4) metabolism of the brain
and its component cell types (Projects I, II, and IV); and (5) signalling
between different brain cells (Projects II, III, and V).  These projects
continue the emphasis on the neurobiological aspects of mental retardation
and developmental disabilities.  The investigators share:  cell culture
systems, molecular biology approaches, in vitro mutagenesis, gene transfer
and transgenic animals.

We expect this highly integrated and multidisciplinary program to provide
major advancements in our understanding of the normal and abnormal
development of neurons and glial cells.  A major research effort is
directed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms of oligodendrocyte
differentiation in relation to its two known major functions:  myelination
and iron metabolism (Projects II, III, IV and V).  All projects address the
question of the influence of genes and the environment on development.  The
effort should lead to the development of concepts for specific therapeutic
treatments for numerous CNS developmental disorders.  In addition, this
multidisciplinary program will provide a rich environment for the research
training of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2194982
- **Project number:** 5P01HD006576-21
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- **SAM.gov UEI:** RN64EPNH8JC6
- **Principal Investigator:** JEAN DE VELLIS
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $921,683
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1983-09-30 → 1996-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2194982

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2194982, MOLECULAR ASPECTS OF MENTAL RETARDATION (5P01HD006576-21). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2194982. Licensed CC0.

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