Understanding how brain cells develop to improve attention in adolescents and adults
Official title: Investigating the role of frontal parvalbumin interneuron maturation in attentional development
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11137182 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells in the frontal cortex grow and work differently in teenagers compared to adults, to help us understand attention and memory problems that can happen in various conditions, with the hope of finding new ways to improve cognitive function for those who need it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 2, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $127,305 |
| NIH project number | 1K99MH137314-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11137182 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents and adults experiencing cognitive impairments or attention deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cognitive impairments unrelated to attention or those outside the age range of 12 to 21 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the maturation of specific brain cells in the frontal cortex that are essential for developing attention and working memory. By examining how these cells function differently in adolescents compared to adults, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind cognitive impairments seen in various disorders. The approach involves analyzing neural activity and its synchronization during attention tasks, which could lead to identifying new treatment targets for cognitive issues. Patients may benefit from insights that could inform future therapies aimed at enhancing cognitive function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for cognitive impairments related to attention in adolescents and adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of brain cell maturation in cognitive functions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nishioka, Tadaaki — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Nishioka, Tadaaki
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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.