Core D: Neurocircuitry and Behavior Core

PROJECT SUMMARY: NEUROCIRCUITRY AND BEHAVIOR CORE (NBC) The primary objective of the Neurocircuitry and Behavior Core (NBC) is to provide state-of-the-art services that foster studies of intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) across the lifespan—from conception to adulthood, tailored to a rural population. The Core will support research projects affiliated with the Hawk- IDDRC that utilize both animals and humans as well as those that cross-fertilize a translational approach to the study of IDD from a lifespan perspective. The Core is made up of two units: 1) Neuroimaging Division (NID) and 2) Neural Circuits and Behavior Division (NCBD). The NID will assist in the development, implementation, and completion of neuroimaging research studies in animal models as well as humans. Neuroimaging modalities will focus on imaging techniques to assess brain structure, function, and metabolism. The resources provided will include expertise in the following aspects of brain imaging: a) development of novel imaging tools, pulse sequences, and equipment; b) implementation of protocols for image acquisition; c) implementation and deployment of standard image analysis pipelines; d) development of novel image analysis strategies; and e) data management, bioinformatics, and statistical support for imaging data. The NCBD will provide expertise in neural circuit function, behavior (e.g. social interaction, sleep), and cognition (e.g. learning and memory) in animal models and humans using tools that are often not available within individual laboratories. For studies using animal models, the NCBD will provide facilities and services to aid investigators performing behavioral assays. For human studies, the NCBD has significant expertise in studying human behavior and cognition across the lifespan and will design and implement cognitive paradigms to study neural circuits, which can be applied to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as controls. Finally, the NID and NCBD are able to conduct experiments as requested by investigators, or will provide the necessary training to enable laboratory personnel to perform experiments in the facility. The NBC will integrate and capitalize upon strong existing resources currently available at the University of Iowa including the Iowa Institute for Biomedical Imaging (IIBI) and the Iowa Neuroscience Institute (INI). Tools that are developed as part of the NBC will be shared with IDD investigators across the country. The NBC will support 27 federally funded projects ($11.3 million per year) and will build upon strong existing collaborations between basic scientists who use animal models and clinical scientists engaged in human brain studies. In addition, the NBC will help strengthen the relationship between scientists and the IDD community and their families, many of whom live in rural areas, helping foster collaborations that will enable a better understanding of IDD from a lifespan perspective.