Understanding how specific brain cells influence decision-making in autism and related disorders
Official title: Exploring the Contribution of Distinct mPFC Cell-Types to the Encoding of Decision-Making Outcome
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10997257 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells in a part of the brain called the medial prefrontal cortex help people with autism make decisions, and it hopes to find ways to improve flexibility in thinking for those who struggle with it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $42,208 |
| NIH project number | 1F31MH138093-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997257 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders who experience challenges with cognitive flexibility.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autism spectrum disorders or those who do not exhibit cognitive rigidity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of different types of neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and how they contribute to decision-making processes, particularly in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. By using advanced techniques like calcium imaging and optogenetics, the study aims to explore how these neurons encode information about outcomes and how their activity affects cognitive flexibility. The findings could provide insights into the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive rigidity, a common challenge in autism, and may lead to new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for cognitive rigidity in patients with autism spectrum disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the neural mechanisms of cognitive flexibility, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vormstein-Schneider, Douglas — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Vormstein-Schneider, Douglas
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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.