# Revealing functional networks and circuits of the posteromedial cortex with anatomical connectivity

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · 2020 · $357,476

## Abstract

Project Summary
 The posteromedial cortex is a brain region that is especially abnormal in many psychiatric diseases,
including depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety. However, it has traditionally received little attention from
neuroscientists, in part because we do not understand its underlying biology. We propose to remedy this
problem by uncovering posteromedial cortical circuits using tract-tracing in nonhuman primates and diffusion-
weighted magnetic resonance imaging in nonhuman primates and humans. This pipeline will allow us to create
a segmentation of the posteromedial cortex according to its anatomical connectivity. First, we propose to tile
the nonhuman primate posteromedial cortex with tract-tracer injections, which will allow us to analyze its
connectivity with other, better-understood brain regions. We will use these data to segment the posteromedial
cortex according to its anatomical connectivity. We expect that different segments will connect with distinct,
well-defined networks within the brain. Next, we will collect diffusion-weighted neuroimaging data in nonhuman
primates and humans. Although this method allows noninvasive detection of some connections, it is highly
susceptible to errors. We will use the principles of white matter organization identified in the tract-tracing data
to guide and debug these neuroimaging data. Because tract-tracing cannot be performed in humans, this
pipeline offers a rare possibility to infer anatomical connectivity in the human brain. Finally, based on prior
neuroimaging experiments, scientists have hypothesized that the posteromedial cortex may connect with a
particularly large number of brain regions and networks. Thus, we would like to determine the extent of axonal
collateralization in the neurons of this brain region. In other words, does a single posteromedial cortical neuron
project to many other brain regions, or are the circuits largely separate? Together, we expect these projects
will elucidate PMC anatomical connectivity in such a way that large-scale neuroimaging networks can be linked
with specific neuronal circuits.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9820246
- **Project number:** 5R01MH118257-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- **Principal Investigator:** Sarah Rachel Heilbronner
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $357,476
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-11-07 → 2023-10-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9820246

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9820246, Revealing functional networks and circuits of the posteromedial cortex with anatomical connectivity (5R01MH118257-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9820246. Licensed CC0.

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