New brain circuit linked to amotivation in a 22q11.2 deletion mouse model
Official title: A novel circuit underlying amotivation in a mouse model of 22q11DS
Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-11333060 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers study a brain circuit that may cause amotivation in a mouse model of 22q11 deletion syndrome, aiming to pave the way for new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | December 12, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00MH129617-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11333060 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with 22q11 deletion syndrome or related neurodevelopmental risks who experience amotivation and could benefit from future translational therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without 22q11 deletion syndrome or related amotivation symptoms may not benefit directly from this basic science work.
What this research studies
This project uses a mouse model of 22q11 deletion syndrome to understand why amotivation occurs, a key negative symptom of schizophrenia. It focuses on a brain circuit involving the thalamus, dorsal striatum, and cholinergic interneurons to explain disrupted motivation. The study plans to test how blocking cholinergic transmission affects synaptic signaling in this circuit, with the goal of identifying targets for new therapies. Findings could inform future strategies to help people with 22q11DS or related conditions who experience amotivation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new treatment approaches that improve motivation and daily functioning for patients with 22q11 deletion syndrome and related schizophrenia-related symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in schizophrenia models has linked neural circuits to motivational deficits, supporting potential translational relevance, though exact circuit findings in 22q11DS are exploratory.
Where this research is happening
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University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patton, Mary H. — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Patton, Mary H.
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.