How specific brain cells change perception based on past experience
Cell Type-Specific Mechanisms of History-Dependent Perceptual Biases in Sensory Cortex
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE · NIH-11236610
This project looks at how particular types of brain cells change how animals perceive touch after recent events, with possible relevance for attention differences and autism.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (RIVERSIDE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11236610 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will train mice in a whisker-based task so the animals' recent sensory history guides what they notice next. They will record activity from specific nerve cells in the primary touch area of the brain using high-resolution imaging while tracking moment-to-moment behavior. The team will selectively silence parts of the cortex to see which cell types are necessary for these history-driven perception changes. Behavioral modeling will link trial-by-trial shifts in choices to changes in specific cell classes such as pyramidal, VIP, and NDNF neurons.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with attention differences or autistic traits who want to learn how basic brain mechanisms might underlie sensory and attention challenges could find this relevant.
Not a fit: This is animal-based basic research, so patients seeking immediate treatments or direct clinical care are unlikely to benefit right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to brain-cell targets and circuit mechanisms that help explain and eventually improve attention and sensory processing differences in conditions like ADHD and autism.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown that manipulating interneurons can change sensory responses, but translating these findings to attention and autism remains early and not yet proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
RIVERSIDE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE — RIVERSIDE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RAMAMURTHY, DEEPA L — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE
- Study coordinator: RAMAMURTHY, DEEPA L
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.
Conditions: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Autistic Disorder