The Center for Neuroscience-based Mental Health Assessment and Prediction (NeuroMAP)

Laureate Institute For Brain Research, Tulsa OK

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Mood and Anxiety Disorders are among the most prevalent and disabling mental health conditions worldwide, yet explanatory and predictive disease models remain limited. The theme of the Neuroscience-based Mental Health Assessment and Prediction (NeuroMAP) CoBRE is based on the premise that experimental designs employing transdiagnostic approaches (i.e., processes that cut across disease categories) with multiple levels of analysis (symptoms & behavior, circuits & physiology, cells & molecules) can identify disease-modifying processes that may become targets of intervention. Phase I of NeuroMAP recruited 8 RPLs and 8 PPIs. As of 6/2022, they applied for 99 extramural grants, received 8 federal grants, and published 130 papers linked to the P20. Two investigators using NeuroMAP Core data received NIH K99/R00 awards. Prior to the NeuroMAP CoBRE (funded 9/15/2017), annual NIH funding for LIBR was $662,104 (NIH Reporter accessed 6/17/2022); for 2021/22, annual funding increased to $7,555,510 ($5,368,214 excluding the CoBRE), representing an 11.4-fold (8.1-fold) increase. The goal for Phase II of NeuroMAP is to maintain and expand the infrastructure for RPLs. The Specific Aims of NeuroMAP are: To expand the critical mass of investigators focused on neuroscience-based mental health assessment and prediction approaches to mood and anxiety disorders. To provide an operational infrastructure that delivers the tools necessary to conduct research projects, standardize assessments, and develop a data repository for future pilot projects. To provide a mentoring and career development infrastructure enabling junior investigators to conduct studies focused on targetable, disease-modifying processes in mood and anxiety disorders. NeuroMAP will consist of: (a) an Administrative Core (Paulus); (b) a Recruitment and Assessment Core (Aupperle & Khalsa); (c) a Circuit and Molecules Core (Rohan & Savitz); and (d) a Data Management and Statistics Core (Kuplicki & Thompson). Three Phase II projects are proposed: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Threat Sensitivity target (Ironside) – External Mentor: Monique Ernst, NIMH; Internal Mentor: Robin Aupperle, LIBR. The effects of aversive interoceptive states on the computations and associated neural basis of avoidance behavior (Smith) – External Mentor: Philip Corlett, Yale University; Internal Mentor: Jennifer Stewart, LIBR. Modulating repetitive negative thinking related brain networks in young adults with depression (Tsuchiyagaito) – External Mentor: Kate Fitzgerald, University of Michigan; Internal Mentor: Jonathan Savitz, LIBR. The overall aim of Phase II is to expand research in mood and anxiety disorders, build a stronger base of funded investigators, and attract early-stage investigators committed to delineating the processes that underlie the development, recovery, and relapse in mood and anxiety disorders.