Understanding how the basal forebrain affects brain networks in psychiatric disorders
Official title: Basal forebrain regulation of default mode and task-on functional network activity: translational modeling of psychiatric disorders
Funded at VA Boston Health Care System · NIH-11061842 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain called the basal forebrain affects thinking and memory in people with schizophrenia, especially since their brain's default mode network often doesn't work well; the researchers hope to find new ways to help improve these cognitive issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2019 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX004500-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061842 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who experience cognitive deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with psychiatric disorders other than schizophrenia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the basal forebrain in regulating brain networks associated with cognitive functions, particularly in patients with schizophrenia. It focuses on the default mode network (DMN), which is crucial for introspective thought and is often disrupted in individuals with severe neuropsychiatric disorders. By using advanced techniques like optogenetic stimulation, the study aims to explore how these disruptions affect cognitive abilities and overall brain function. The goal is to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve cognitive symptoms in patients who currently have limited treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain network dynamics in psychiatric conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Boston Health Care System
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcnally, James M — VA Boston Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Mcnally, James M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Whole-chromosome fine-mapping across diverse ancestries to understand psychiatric disorders
A study to pinpoint the exact genetic changes that contribute to bipolar disorder and related conditions by using diverse populations to improve accuracy.
-
Neuronal signals guiding deep brain stimulation for neuropsychiatric disorders
A doctor-scientist at Stanford plans to study how deep brain stimulation changes brain cells and circuits in people with OCD, depression, and movement disorders to improve how DBS therapies work.
-
How a spouse's mental health and substance use may affect a partner's drinking problems
A study looks at how a spouse’s psychiatric disorders and drinking habits influence when a person starts, stops, or relapses into alcohol use problems within marriage.
-
Mapping brain microstructure in psychiatric disorders with normal ranges
A study will build a brain-mapping reference to understand how an individual’s brain differs within the normal range, with a focus on youths and how age and sex affect brain microstructure.
-
Foundation Models for Brain Imaging in Psychiatry
A large AI model will be trained on many brain scans and related data to help researchers understand ADHD, autism, and bipolar disorder.
-
How early pollution and stress change brain circuits for motivation and memory
This work looks at how early-life exposure to pollution and stress can alter brain circuits that control motivation and working memory for people with ADHD, depression, or similar conditions.
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.