Understanding brain development during adolescence and its link to mental disorders
Thalamo-prefrontal circuit maturation during adolescence
['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC · NIH-11003715
This study looks at how a part of the brain that helps with thinking develops during the teenage years, using mice to see how changes in brain activity might affect mental health, with the hope of finding ways to help prevent issues like schizophrenia in young people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11003715 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the thalamo-prefrontal circuit matures during adolescence, a critical period for mental health. By studying the effects of thalamic activity on prefrontal cortex development in mice, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that may lead to cognitive deficits associated with disorders like schizophrenia. The study involves manipulating thalamic activity during specific developmental stages and assessing the long-term impacts on brain connectivity and cognitive function. The findings could provide insights into how early interventions might prevent or mitigate mental health issues in adolescents.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who may be at risk for developing mental health disorders.
Not a fit: Patients outside the adolescent age range or those without a history of mental health issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing cognitive deficits and mental disorders in adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding brain connectivity during critical developmental periods can lead to significant advancements in mental health treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KELLENDONK, CHRISTOPH — NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC
- Study coordinator: KELLENDONK, CHRISTOPH
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.