# Neuroimaging & Neurocircuitry Core

> **NIH NIH P50** · CHILDREN'S HOSP OF PHILADELPHIA · 2021 · $189,108

## Abstract

(CORE E- NNC: NEUROIMAGING AND NEUROCIRCUITRY CORE)
PROJECT SUMMARY
Description: The Neuroimaging and Neurocircuitry Core (NNC) enables the study of changes in brain circuitry
which occur in people with IDD. The Core supports research in both patients and animal models by providing
users the following state-of-the-art technologies: (a) Magnetoencephalographic (MEG) recordings of brain
activity; (b) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) studies of brain structure and function;
(c) Multiphoton, confocal, and epifluorescence microscopic imaging studies of the dynamics of neuronal circuit
function; (d) Patch clamp recording studies in neurons; and (e) Electroencephalographic (EEG) and other in vivo
recordings. Analyses are performed in affected human patients with IDD, in Preclinical animal models of IDD,
and in vitro (stem cells and tissue culture). Core Directors provide users with access to a wide set of otherwise
inaccessible neuronal circuit assessment techniques, as well as expert consultation regarding experimental
design and analysis. In all core functions, emphasis is placed upon quality control. In addition to assuring that all
studies are competently conducted and appropriately analyzed, the Core Directors assist users to design studies
that are properly controlled, adequately powered, and, when feasible, conducted in a blinded fashion.
Relevance to IDDRC Mission: The overarching theme of this IDDRC is “Genes, Brain & Behavior” (see
Overview). This Core focuses on each of these overlapping domains. Genetic alterations underlie many IDDs,
and result in aberrant protein expression, which alters basic brain synaptic and circuit function. This in turn
generates the behavioral anomalies which constitute IDD. The study of patients and animal models brings the
genetic components into sharp focus, and the NNC facilitates examination into how these genetic changes alter
brain function and, subsequently, whether such changes are correlated to behavior. Thus, the goal of the Core
is to quantify the changes in function of neuronal circuits which result from genetic mutation and variation.
Elucidating the changes in dynamic function of neuronal circuitry responsible for the generation of the atypical
behaviors collectively termed the IDD is critical in translational efforts to provide diagnostic and prognostic
biological markers (biomarkers) as well as biologically-based indices to serve as stratification biomarkers for
clinical trial enrichment and response monitoring with the ultimate goal of developing better therapies to treat
and cure brain pathologies underlying the IDDs and other related CNS disorders such as autism, epilepsy, and
cerebral palsy.
Eligibility: These services are available both to approved users of the IDDRC at CHOP/UPenn and to users at
other Centers in the nationwide Network.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10240003
- **Project number:** 1P50HD105354-01
- **Recipient organization:** CHILDREN'S HOSP OF PHILADELPHIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Timothy P Roberts
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $189,108
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-07-15 → 2026-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10240003

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10240003, Neuroimaging & Neurocircuitry Core (1P50HD105354-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10240003. Licensed CC0.

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