# Imaging Biomarkers of Social Cognition and Pharmacologic Target Engagement in ASD

> **NIH NIH K23** · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · 2020 · $189,172

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
This Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award will develop the candidate into an
independent physician-scientist with expertise in neuroimaging investigations of biomarkers of social cognition
that may predict treatment response and facilitate identification of novel therapeutic targets and approaches for
individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is increasing in
prevalence, and is characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction across multiple contexts,
and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. The majority of individuals with ASD have
poor outcomes in the area of social functioning; however, there are no medical treatments available that target
the core social communication deficits. The goal of the proposed research is to understand the neurobiological
role of an imbalance in excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA)
neurotransmission in the social cognition deficits in ASD, and to develop proton magnetic resonance
spectroscopy as a measurement of target engagement to measure the ability of a medication, gabapentin, to
increase cortical GABA levels. Spectrally-edited proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) provides
an ideal method for measuring cortical GABA levels. All proposed studies will be in 70 adolescents (male and
female) with ASD (age 13 to 17 years). Specific Aim 1: To measure correlations of 1H-MRS GABA levels in
the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and occipital cortex (OC) with clinical measures of social cognition at
baseline. Specific Aim 2: To measure the effect of an initial one time dose of gabapentin on 1H-MRS GABA
levels in the ACC and OC. The application also outlines a detailed training plan involving didactic coursework,
seminars, scientific conferences, and mentored experiences to provide the candidate with training in: (1)
advanced neuroimaging techniques to study the neural correlates of social cognition in ASD; (2) clinical trials
research methodology with a goal of integrating neuroimaging wraparound studies into the methods; and (3)
advanced biostatistics and data analysis of complex neuroimaging datasets and clinical trials data. This NIMH
K23 is the bridge (i.e. pathway for training and mentorship) for this early stage investigator to develop into an
independently-funded researcher with the expertise to conduct neuroimaging studies of social cognition in ASD
and contribute to the development and understanding of novel therapeutic approaches in these disorders.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9996785
- **Project number:** 5K23MH113008-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** David M. Cochran
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $189,172
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-09-15 → 2022-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9996785

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9996785, Imaging Biomarkers of Social Cognition and Pharmacologic Target Engagement in ASD (5K23MH113008-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9996785. Licensed CC0.

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