# Model Systems Core

> **NIH NIH P50** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $366,523

## Abstract

Model Systems Core Project Summary/Abstract
The Model Systems Core (MSC) will leverage the institutional strengths of Washington University School
of Medicine (WUSM) in genetics, neuroscience, bioinformatics and neuroimaging to address key
questions on the causes and treatments of IDD with particular reference to genetic abnormalities and
environmental factors. The MSC will be organized into two units – the Cellular Models Unit (CMU) and
the Animal Assessments Unit (AAU), the latter being composed of three subunits including Animal
Behavior, Neuropathology, and Neurophysiology. Through its team of interactive scientists, the MSC will
pursue its specific aims by providing seamless expertise, resources, and assessments to committed
WUSM investigators for the purpose of: (1) promoting the discovery of the basic molecular and cellular
pathways shared by diverse causes of IDD; (2) determining the neural signatures associated with IDD at
the neural circuit level and whole brain; (3) characterizing core neurobehavioral features of IDD and
clarifying their causal origins; and (4) developing interventions to ameliorate the effects of genetic or
environmental insults on the developing brain. To achieve these goals, the MSC will use an integrated
model systems approach to synergize the strengths of its own units as well as those of the Clinical
Translational Core and the Developmental Neuroimaging Core. Additional aims for each unit will also be
operative. For example, reprogrammed somatic cell models of human disorders provide fundamental
insights into biological pathways as well as disease processes; therefore, the MSC will now offer
renewable patient-derived human IDD cellular models to link genetic alterations with disease
mechanisms and phenotype via the CMU. The MSC will also continue to provide consultation and
comprehensive assessment of brain structure, pathology, physiology and behavior of IDD animal models
through the AAU. Reaching across cores, the CMU will work closely with the Clinical Translation Core’s
human genomic characterization unit to develop IDD patient registries that will be directly used as a
recruitment source for derivation of patient-derived cellular models. Similarly, the AAU depends upon the
Developmental Neuroimaging Core for imaging relevant preclinical models to investigate mechanisms
underlying developmental pathology potentially providing a bridge to clinical studies. Using these
strategies, the overarching mission of the MSC is to identify new treatments, biomarkers and/or
interventions that can prevent or reduce the impact of IDD-linked diseases. As more genomic data
becomes available and WU investigators capitalize on this information, another critical role for the MSC
will be the integration of new and existing information across the IDDRC@WUSTL cores and other
existing facilities within the University.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10085128
- **Project number:** 1P50HD103525-01
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** DAVID FRANCIS WOZNIAK
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $366,523
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10085128

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10085128, Model Systems Core (1P50HD103525-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10085128. Licensed CC0.

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