Federal Grant Award Summary

Yale University received a $583,646 Project Grant award, effective March 20, 2026, through the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) under the Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders (CFDA 93.853) program. The research project, which extends through November 30, 2030, investigates cilia disassembly and dysfunction in malformations of cortical development (MCDs)—a class of neurological disorders characterized by altered organization and function of cortical neurons that frequently result in intractable epileptic seizures. The research will be conducted at Yale University's Hamden, Connecticut location.

The project will deliver fundamental research findings examining the shared mechanisms underlying multiple types of MCDs, including focal cortical dysplasia types I and II and tuberous sclerosis complex. The investigator-initiated research will employ both genomic sequencing analysis and CRISPR-based functional screening to test the hypothesis that aberrant primary cilia disassembly represents a convergent pathogenic mechanism across these distinct MCD types. Products of this research are expected to advance understanding of cortical development biology, identify improved diagnostic approaches, and inform potential therapeutic strategies for patients with these severe neurological conditions. The research contributes to NINDS's mission to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and reduce the burden of neurological disease.