Astrocyte RNA degradation and its link to thinking and memory
Official title: Astrocyte RNA degradation and cognitive function
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11364192 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how a brain cell support system called astrocytes affects memory and thinking by controlling mRNA stability through a process called NMD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $591,700 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH129797-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11364192 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or without cognitive concerns who participate in brain research studies and donate samples or participate in imaging sessions may be eligible, depending on study design.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not directly benefit if they are not involved in cognitive testing or imaging tasks.
What this research studies
This project focuses on how astrocytes regulate the messages (mRNA) inside brain cells to shape synaptic strength and cognition. Using advanced imaging and molecular techniques, scientists will map which mRNAs are targeted by NMD in astrocytes in living brain tissue and how this impacts learning and memory. The study builds on prior findings that neuronal NMD affects synapses and cognition, and explores whether astrocytes play a similar role in cognitive function. Results could identify new targets for therapies aimed at cognitive disorders linked to astrocyte function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding astrocyte-driven mRNA regulation could lead to new approaches for treating cognitive impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows astrocytes influence synaptic activity and cognition, but this project aims to define astrocyte-specific NMD targets in vivo, which is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Colak, Dilek — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Colak, Dilek
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.