Understanding how primate brains evolved to support advanced thinking
Official title: Genomic recording systems to reveal evolutionary modifications in primate neocortex
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-10910556 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brains of small primates, like the common marmoset, have changed over time to help us understand their smart thinking skills and what that might mean for brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | September 14, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,389,728 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2MH140136-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910556 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with cognitive disorders or those interested in the genetic basis of brain function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cognitive function or those not affected by brain disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the evolutionary changes in the neocortex of primates, which is crucial for higher-order cognitive functions. By utilizing genomic recording systems, the study aims to uncover the developmental processes that led to the unique characteristics of primate brains compared to other mammals. The research focuses on the common marmoset, a small primate, to explore the cellular and molecular innovations that contribute to cognitive abilities. Through advanced DNA sequencing techniques, the project seeks to reveal how these changes occurred over time and their implications for understanding brain disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of brain development and lead to improved treatments for cognitive disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While research on brain evolution has been conducted, this approach using genomic recording systems in primates is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krienen, Fenna Marie — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Krienen, Fenna Marie
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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.