How thinking and emotion parts of the brain connect and change
Circuit structure and dynamics in prefrontal-limbic networks
Researchers will map how connections between the anterior cingulate and amygdala in adult brains help the mind balance emotion, thought, and stress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285318 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your point of view, the team is tracing the wiring between the anterior cingulate cortex (three subregions) and the amygdala to see how these links guide emotion and thinking. They will compare these prefrontal–limbic pathways across different parts of the ACC and against nearby cognitive and motor areas to understand where integration happens. The work will examine how these circuits reorganize or change during emotional stress and how chemical signals like acetylcholine may modulate that activity. Findings come from detailed circuit mapping and activity measurements done by the Boston University research team.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with mood or anxiety (affective) disorders, especially those whose symptoms change with stress, are the kinds of patients who may eventually benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Children and people with non-affective neurological conditions are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific circuit-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new brain circuit targets for better treatments for depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked ACC–amygdala connections to emotion regulation, but this project goes further to map detailed circuit dynamics and modulatory signaling that are less well understood.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Medalla, Maria — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Medalla, Maria
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.