How deep brain connections shape attention and higher-level thinking
Mechanistic dissection of cognitive thalamocortical engagement in attention and hierarchical reasoning.
Researchers are exploring how communication between deep brain centers and the cortex affects attention and complex reasoning, with an eye toward helping people with schizophrenia who struggle with uncertainty and decision-making.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11326839 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses animal models—tree shrews and macaques—to watch how higher-order thalamic regions (like the mediodorsal thalamus and pulvinar) interact with frontal and visual cortex during attention and challenging decision-making. Scientists will use targeted optical perturbations and behavioral testing to change and measure brain activity while observing causal effects on behavior. Teams at multiple sites will combine data to map the circuits that support hierarchical reasoning and responses to uncertainty. The ultimate aim is to identify brain circuit targets that could guide future neurostimulation approaches for people with cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with schizophrenia—particularly those with treatment-resistant problems in attention, decision-making, or handling uncertainty—would be the most likely candidates for future clinical trials informed by this research.
Not a fit: People whose cognitive or psychiatric symptoms arise from conditions unrelated to thalamocortical circuit dysfunction, or who have other neurological disorders, may not benefit from findings focused on these specific brain circuits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new brain targets and approaches for neurostimulation to improve attention and reasoning in people with schizophrenia who do not respond to current treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and human imaging studies have linked thalamocortical connectivity to cognitive symptoms and early neuromodulation approaches show promise, but directly targeting higher-order thalamus for attention and hierarchical reasoning is still relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Princeton, UNITED STATES
- Princeton University — Princeton, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Halassa, Michael M — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Halassa, Michael M
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 below.