How axon development affects the prefrontal cortex in neurodevelopmental disorders
Official title: The Impact of Thalamocortical Axon Refinement on the Development of the Prefrontal Cortex
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11136213 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the connections between a part of the brain called the thalamus and the prefrontal cortex develop, especially in kids with autism, to see how stopping certain changes in these connections might affect brain growth and function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 18, 2024 |
| Project end | March 17, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $52,976 |
| NIH project number | 5F30HD114477-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136213 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly those on the autism spectrum.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed neurotypical brains or those with non-neurodevelopmental conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the development of axons connecting the thalamus to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) influences the maturation of the PFC, particularly in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. Using a novel mouse model, the study aims to inhibit axonal pruning to observe its effects on PFC development. Researchers will employ neural tracers and molecular analysis to quantify changes in axon pruning and assess its impact on PFC structure and function. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms underlying cortical dysfunction in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of the developmental processes involved in neurodevelopmental disorders, potentially informing new therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding axonal development and its implications for neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davidson, Rina Leah — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Davidson, Rina Leah
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.