Investigating brain pathways related to anxiety in adults with autism or psychosis
GABAergic expression in MPFC-amygdala pathway of adults with autism or psychosis
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain are linked to anxiety in adults with autism and schizophrenia, and it hopes to find clues that could help create better treatments for managing anxiety in these groups.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10679025 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific brain regions, particularly the medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala, are involved in anxiety for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. The researchers will examine the GABAergic system, which is crucial for regulating anxiety, to identify any differences in brain structure and function between individuals with these disorders and healthy controls. By analyzing brain tissue, they aim to uncover potential neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to anxiety in these populations. This foundational work could pave the way for developing targeted therapies that address these issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or schizophrenia.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have autism or psychosis, or those under 21 years of age, may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that better manage anxiety in adults with autism or psychosis.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been significant research on GABAergic systems in other brain regions, this specific investigation into the mPFC-amygdala pathway in ASD and schizophrenia is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schumann, Cynthia — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Schumann, Cynthia
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.