Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Receives $1.3 Million Grant for Autism Research
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is thrilled to announce its receipt of over $1.3 million from the Eagles Autism Foundation to support vital research and community projects aimed at enhancing the lives of children with autism. This substantial grant will empower five innovative research projects across various labs within the hospital's expansive research framework over the next two years.
These awarded projects are diverse, building on ongoing successful initiatives while also paving the way for fresh, exploratory inquiries into autism. Each project has been meticulously chosen based on its evidence-based approach and its alignment with the foundational mission of the Eagles Autism Foundation. Critical to these selections were rigorous evaluations conducted by a team of internationally reputable researchers, ensuring that every proposal was assessed on the parameters of its significance and potential transformational impact on autism.
1. ADGRB3 Gene Variants: Led by Dr. Hakon Hakonarson, the director of the Center for Applied Genomics at CHOP, this project aims to investigate variants of the ADGRB3 gene which may be linked to autism. By understanding the gene's functional impact, this research holds promise for developing new diagnostic and treatment strategies.
2. Inhibitory Interneurons in Autism: Dr. Laura McGarry and her team will explore the impairment of inhibitory interneurons in relation to autism associated with Dravet syndrome. This neurodevelopmental disorder, which includes severe epilepsy during the first year of life, has been a focal point of ongoing research, with this new inquiry seeking to bridge the gap between epilepsy and autism.
3. Understanding SCN2A Gene: Led by Dr. Jerome Clatot, research will focus on mutations in the SCN2A gene, previously linked to autism. The aim is to delve deeper into the gene's role in brain development and discover potential therapeutic targets for effective treatments.
4. Chromatin Regulators and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Dr. Naiara Akizu's project will examine how small effect size genetic variants in chromatin regulators might contribute to polygenic neurodevelopmental disorders. Her research could unveil how these variants influence gene expression, potentially increasing the burden of neurodevelopmental diseases.
5. Community Support for Foster Care Children: The Fostering Health Program at CHOP receives a community grant to aid children with autism spectrum disorder in foster care. This project addresses critical barriers, providing case management, transportation solutions, and a resource guide for foster families and healthcare professionals.
Since 2016, CHOP has garnered over $6 million in funding from the Eagles Autism Foundation, making significant strides in research and community initiatives for autism. This partnership underscores CHOP's role as a founding beneficiary of the Eagles Autism Challenge, which is set to return for another event on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Furthermore, the annual Eagles Huddle Up for Autism event, aimed at raising awareness and funds for autism support, will occur on March 30, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field.
Established in 1855 as the first pediatric hospital in the United States, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia remains committed to exemplary patient care, pediatric healthcare training, and groundbreaking research endeavors. Recognized as a leading advocate for children and adolescents, CHOP's pediatric research program stands among the nation's largest, ensuring advanced pediatric care and innovative treatment options.
For more information about CHOP and its extensive programs, visit Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Focus of the Research Projects
These awarded projects are diverse, building on ongoing successful initiatives while also paving the way for fresh, exploratory inquiries into autism. Each project has been meticulously chosen based on its evidence-based approach and its alignment with the foundational mission of the Eagles Autism Foundation. Critical to these selections were rigorous evaluations conducted by a team of internationally reputable researchers, ensuring that every proposal was assessed on the parameters of its significance and potential transformational impact on autism.
1. ADGRB3 Gene Variants: Led by Dr. Hakon Hakonarson, the director of the Center for Applied Genomics at CHOP, this project aims to investigate variants of the ADGRB3 gene which may be linked to autism. By understanding the gene's functional impact, this research holds promise for developing new diagnostic and treatment strategies.
2. Inhibitory Interneurons in Autism: Dr. Laura McGarry and her team will explore the impairment of inhibitory interneurons in relation to autism associated with Dravet syndrome. This neurodevelopmental disorder, which includes severe epilepsy during the first year of life, has been a focal point of ongoing research, with this new inquiry seeking to bridge the gap between epilepsy and autism.
3. Understanding SCN2A Gene: Led by Dr. Jerome Clatot, research will focus on mutations in the SCN2A gene, previously linked to autism. The aim is to delve deeper into the gene's role in brain development and discover potential therapeutic targets for effective treatments.
4. Chromatin Regulators and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Dr. Naiara Akizu's project will examine how small effect size genetic variants in chromatin regulators might contribute to polygenic neurodevelopmental disorders. Her research could unveil how these variants influence gene expression, potentially increasing the burden of neurodevelopmental diseases.
5. Community Support for Foster Care Children: The Fostering Health Program at CHOP receives a community grant to aid children with autism spectrum disorder in foster care. This project addresses critical barriers, providing case management, transportation solutions, and a resource guide for foster families and healthcare professionals.
Previous Contributions and Future Events
Since 2016, CHOP has garnered over $6 million in funding from the Eagles Autism Foundation, making significant strides in research and community initiatives for autism. This partnership underscores CHOP's role as a founding beneficiary of the Eagles Autism Challenge, which is set to return for another event on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Furthermore, the annual Eagles Huddle Up for Autism event, aimed at raising awareness and funds for autism support, will occur on March 30, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field.
About CHOP
Established in 1855 as the first pediatric hospital in the United States, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia remains committed to exemplary patient care, pediatric healthcare training, and groundbreaking research endeavors. Recognized as a leading advocate for children and adolescents, CHOP's pediatric research program stands among the nation's largest, ensuring advanced pediatric care and innovative treatment options.
For more information about CHOP and its extensive programs, visit Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
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