# Neuroimaging and Neurocircuitry: Core E

> **NIH NIH U54** · CHILDREN'S HOSP OF PHILADELPHIA · 2020 · $196,871

## Abstract

(NEUROIMAGING AND NEUROCIRCUITRY (NNC): CORE E) 
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) 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 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
pathologic behaviors collectively termed the IDD is critical in translational efforts to develop 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 Network.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9831584
- **Project number:** 5U54HD086984-05
- **Recipient organization:** CHILDREN'S HOSP OF PHILADELPHIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Timothy P Roberts
- **Activity code:** U54 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $196,871
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9831584

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9831584, Neuroimaging and Neurocircuitry: Core E (5U54HD086984-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9831584. Licensed CC0.

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