NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Understanding how specific brain cells in the cerebellum control behavior and learning.

Official title: Circuit Specializations of Cerebellar Molecular Layer Interneurons

Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10886534 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at special brain cells in the cerebellum that help with things like learning new movements and keeping our balance, and it aims to understand how these cells work together, which could help improve treatments for conditions like ADHD and autism.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHarvard Medical School
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$74,284
NIH project number5F32NS133036-02
Project IDNIH-10886534 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with ADHD, autism, or other cerebellar-related disorders.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to cerebellar function or those who do not have a diagnosis of ADHD or autism may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the specialized cells in the cerebellum that play a crucial role in controlling behaviors related to prediction, such as motor learning and balance. By examining two distinct types of interneurons, the study aims to clarify how these cells connect and influence the output of the cerebellar cortex. Using advanced techniques like electrophysiology and electron microscopy, researchers will analyze the synaptic connections of these cells to better understand their functions and implications for various brain disorders. This work could provide insights into conditions like ADHD and autism, potentially leading to improved treatments.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of brain disorders and lead to better therapeutic strategies for conditions like ADHD and autism.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cerebellar function and its impact on behavior, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Harvard Medical School
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Lackey, Elizabeth — Harvard Medical School
  • Study coordinator: Lackey, Elizabeth

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.