Understanding brain circuits related to mental health disorders
Official title: Revealing functional networks and circuits of the posteromedial cortex withanatomical connectivity
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10875048 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a part of the brain that’s connected to mental health issues like depression and anxiety, using advanced imaging in monkeys to see how it connects with other brain areas, which could help us better understand these conditions and improve treatments for people who struggle with them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $375,275 |
| NIH project number | 7R01MH118257-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875048 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with purely physical health issues or those not experiencing any mental health disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the posteromedial cortex, a brain region linked to various psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety. By using advanced imaging techniques and tract-tracing in nonhuman primates, the study aims to map the anatomical connections of this area and understand its role in mental health. The findings could help identify how different segments of the posteromedial cortex interact with other brain networks, providing insights into the biological underpinnings of mental disorders. Ultimately, this research seeks to improve our understanding of psychiatric diseases and inform future treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better-targeted therapies for mental health disorders by revealing critical brain circuits involved in these conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in mapping brain circuits related to mental health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heilbronner, Sarah Rachel — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Heilbronner, Sarah Rachel
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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.