Understanding how a specific brain region influences behavior and executive function
Official title: Functional architecture of the mediodorsal thalamus
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-10984991 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific part of the brain that helps with thinking and social skills to better understand how it works and how it might be linked to brain disorders, with the hope of finding new treatments that could help people with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | December 6, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $654,155 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131857-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984991 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with developmental brain disorders or neuropsychiatric conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to executive function or social behavior may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mediodorsal thalamus and its connections with the medial prefrontal cortex, which are crucial for executive functioning and social behavior. By examining the types of neurons in this area and how they process information, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to developmental brain disorders and neuropsychiatric conditions. Patients may benefit from insights gained through this research, which could lead to new neuromodulation therapies targeting these brain circuits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders by enhancing our understanding of brain function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding similar brain circuits, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brumback, Audrey Christine — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Brumback, Audrey Christine
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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.