The cerebellum has been implicated in a number of mental health disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, and addiction. However, how it contributes to these disorders is not understood. In this proposal we explore whether the cerebellum sends direct excitatory projections to the ventral tegmental area (VTA), one of the brain regions that processes and encodes reward, and to the hypothalamus, a region implicated in social behavior. Using a combination of anatomical, functional (electrophysiology combined with selective optogenetic activation of cerebellar pathways), and behavioral studies we test the hypothesis that direct cerebellar projections to these two brain structures may be the substrate through which the cerebellum influences social behavior under physiological and pathological conditions. Defects in cerebellar modulation of the VTA and hypothalamus may explain, at least in part, how the cerebellum might contribute to disorders such as ASD and schizophrenia. Thus, accomplishment of the goals set would not only advance our understanding of the non-motor functions of the cerebellum, but may provide clues regarding the pathophysiology of a number of mental disorders.

Public Health Relevance

The cerebellum has been implicated in a number of cognitive no-motor tasks, and in mental disorders such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. How the cerebellum contributes to these mental disorders is not understood. This proposal investigates two cerebellar pathways; namely projections to the ventral tegmental area and to the hypothalamus, as potential substrates through which the cerebellum modulates social behavior.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01MH115604-03
Application #
9718320
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Simmons, Janine M
Project Start
2018-07-01
Project End
2023-03-31
Budget Start
2019-04-01
Budget End
2020-03-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2019
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Department
Type
DUNS #
081266487
City
Bronx
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10461