The Kellner Center for Neurogenomics, Behavior, and Society is dedicated to advancing research at the intersection of genes, brains, behavior, and society, with the goal of understanding how biological and environmental processes shape mental health. The Kellner Center is a collaborative effort between the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, CSBS, and the School of Social Work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
As part of these efforts, the CSBS coordinates the Kellner Center Small Grant Program. The small grants are intended to support interdisciplinary research teams that integrate human and non-human models to investigate the biological and social foundations of mental health, as well as related affective and behavioral functioning.
In line with the Kellner Center mission, two projects were selected for funding because they show strong promise in laying the groundwork for new syntheses that advance our understanding of the complex ways biology, behavior, and the environment shape individuals.
Towards a Comprehensive Framework for Oscillatory Mechanisms of Attention in Health and Disease
PI: Sepideh Sadaghiani, Associate Professor, Psychology
Co-I: Howard Gritton, Assistant Professor, Comparative Biosciences
Prashant Mehta, Professor. Electrical and Computer Engineering
Summary: This project examines how brain rhythms, specifically alpha oscillations, regulate attention and sensory processing across species. By combining human EEG fMRI with high density neural recordings in mice, the study investigates how alpha rhythms gate information in the brain through two complementary attention mechanisms. One mechanism supports task engagement and alertness, while the other sharpens focus on relevant stimuli. By linking large scale brain networks to single neuron activity, the project will develop biologically grounded models of attention and clarify how disruptions in these mechanisms contribute to attention deficits in disorders such as ADHD, schizophrenia, and autism.
Targeting Mitochondria for the Treatment and Prevention of Schizophrenia
PI: Uwe Rudolph, Professor, Comparative Biosciences
Co-Is: Thomas Kwapil, Professor, Psychology
Maltesh Kambali, Research Scientist, Comparative Biosciences
Jozien Goense, Associate Professor, Bioengineering and Psychology
Summary: This project investigates the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in schizophrenia and explores whether existing metabolic therapies can reverse associated brain and cognitive deficits. Using mouse models that carry genetic changes linked to schizophrenia, the study examines how impaired mitochondrial structure and respiration contribute to disrupted brain connectivity, working memory, and social behavior. The project tests whether two FDA approved drugs, metformin and the GLP 1 receptor agonist semaglutide, can restore mitochondrial function through activation of energy regulating pathways. By linking mitochondrial biology to neural circuits and behavior, this research aims to clarify disease mechanisms and identify promising pharmacological targets for the prevention and treatment of schizophrenia.