NIH-funded research R21 grant

Understanding how brain pathways affect timing in behavior

Official title: Roles of Descending Forebrain Pathways to the Cerebellum in Behavioral Timing

Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11052527 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how different parts of the brain talk to each other and how that affects timing in thinking for people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, hoping to find ways to help improve their cognitive skills.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Iowa
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Iowa City, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2024
Project endMarch 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$159,206
NIH project number5R21MH136675-02
Project IDNIH-11052527 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder who experience cognitive deficits.

Less likely to help

Patients without cognitive deficits or those not diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how communication between the cerebellum and forebrain influences cognitive timing, particularly in individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. By focusing on the descending pathways from the medial frontal cortex to the cerebellum, the study aims to uncover the neural mechanisms that contribute to cognitive deficits associated with these conditions. Patients may benefit from insights into how their cognitive timing is affected, which could lead to targeted interventions. The research employs advanced neurobiological techniques to explore these pathways and their effects on behavior.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cerebellar function in cognitive processes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Iowa
    Iowa City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Freeman, John H — University of Iowa
  • Study coordinator: Freeman, John H

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.