Understanding how specific brain structures affect cognitive functions
Official title: Cognitive Thalamus
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-11079528 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain help with thinking and learning, especially in people with cognitive disorders like schizophrenia, to better understand how these areas work together and what happens when things go wrong.
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 | April 3, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $3,126,369 |
| NIH project number | 5P50MH132642-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079528 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with cognitive impairments, particularly those diagnosed with schizophrenia or related cognitive disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with purely physical health issues unrelated to cognitive function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the roles of the Pulvinar and Mediodorsal nuclei in the brain, which are crucial for cognitive processes. By using a combination of behavioral studies, electrophysiology, and brain imaging in both humans and animal models, the research aims to uncover how these thalamic structures interact with the cortex to influence cognition. The project will also explore how disruptions in these interactions may contribute to cognitive disorders, particularly in conditions like schizophrenia. Through this work, researchers hope to develop a model that explains the functionality of these brain regions in both healthy and diseased states.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for cognitive disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding thalamic functions and their impact on cognition, suggesting that this approach has potential for significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kastner, Sabine — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Kastner, Sabine
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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.