# Thalamocortical cognitive networks in the healthy human brain

> **NIH NIH P50** · PRINCETON UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $534,432

## Abstract

Abstract
This project will characterize the functions of the human pulvinar (PUL) and mediodorsal (MD) nuclei and their
role in brain-wide networks promoting a variety of high-level cognitive functions and behaviors. We propose to
perform whole-brain fMRI to test the Center hypothesis that PUL and MD play crucial roles in coordinating
information within and across cortical networks. Working closely with P5 (Woodward) and Core C (Chen), Aim
1 will resolve the internal organization of PUL and MD in healthy individuals based on functional connectivity
with cortical networks involved in high-level cognitive functions. We will compare network topologies to those
found in schizophrenia (P5) to identify dysfunction of cortical and thalamic nodes and in their interconnectivity.
In Aim 2, we will adapt the Center’s APU and HDM tasks to assess the PUL and MD’s roles as centralized hubs
for integrating information across cognitive control networks. The use of common tasks with tree shrews and
macaques (P1-3) will allow for bridging across animal models spanning scales of representation from neurons
to circuits to networks. In Aim 3, we will use a variant of the HDM task to identify human-unique characteristics
of thalamocortical cognitive control networks that support flexible rule switching and generalization. We will use
computational cognitive modeling to bridge between neuroimaging and behavior. Resolving the network-level
architecture of PUL-cortical and MD-cortical function during complex cognitive behaviors will provide empirical
and computational insights into the principles guiding behaviorally-relevant thalamocortical function (Center Aim
1), which will serve as a basis for assessing dysfunction (Center Aim 2) and inform the development of a
mechanistic model for human thalamic function (Center Aim 3).

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10819533
- **Project number:** 5P50MH132642-02
- **Recipient organization:** PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Anne G.E. Collins
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $534,432
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-04-03 → 2028-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10819533

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10819533, Thalamocortical cognitive networks in the healthy human brain (5P50MH132642-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10819533. Licensed CC0.

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