Understanding how front-thalamus connections affect thinking and behavior in schizophrenia
Official title: Genetic and Functional dissection of frontal thalamocortical circuitry
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11580841 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how the prefrontal cortex and mediodorsal thalamus work together to support thinking, memory, and behavior in schizophrenia, with the goal of finding new ways to help people who have cognitive difficulties.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2016 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $815,245 |
| NIH project number | 7R01MH134466-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11580841 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with schizophrenia who experience cognitive deficits and would potentially benefit from future cognitive-education or treatment approaches derived from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without schizophrenia or cognitive impairment related to the disorder may not directly benefit from this basic/translational study.
What this research studies
This project uses mouse models linked to schizophrenia genetics to explore how specific brain circuits support cognitive tasks. The team will examine how disruptions in the MD–PFC pathway affect learning and decision-making, using new tasks designed to isolate different cognitive features. Findings could reveal targets for therapies aimed at improving cognitive function in people with schizophrenia. The work combines basic science in animals with translational aims to connect brain circuitry to potential human benefits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could point to new strategies to improve cognitive function in schizophrenia, helping patients regain daily functioning and work opportunities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies link MD–PFC circuitry to cognition, and new genetic mouse models offer promising avenues, though translation to humans will require further work.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Halassa, Michael M — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Halassa, Michael M
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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.