Controlling brain connections with light
Official title: Trans-synaptic optical control of user-defined synaptic connections
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10732081 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to use light to control brain connections that are important for learning and memory, which could help us better understand how our brains work and lead to new treatments for brain-related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,674,052 |
| NIH project number | 1UF1NS133763-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10732081 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with neurological conditions that affect learning and memory.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to synaptic function or those who do not reside near the research location may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel method to optically control specific synaptic connections in the brain, which are crucial for functions like learning and memory. By developing a system that allows for reversible inhibition of these connections, the researchers aim to enhance our understanding of how different neurons communicate and influence behavior. The approach involves engineering light-sensitive proteins that can be activated to manipulate synaptic activity, which will be tested in both laboratory settings and living mice. This could lead to breakthroughs in how we study and potentially treat neurological conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new insights into brain function and lead to innovative treatments for neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of optically controlling synaptic connections is innovative, similar methodologies have shown promise in other areas of neuroscience research.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Copits, Bryan — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Copits, Bryan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using MRI to measure brain oxygen levels as an early sign of small vessel disease in the brain
This study is looking at how measuring oxygen levels in the brain with MRI can help spot early signs of small vessel disease, which is linked to memory problems and dementia, especially Alzheimer's, so if you're at risk due to age or high blood pressure, you might be able to participate in MRI scans to learn more about
-
Advanced Methods & Modeling for Better Patient Care
A funding opportunity focused on developing new modeling methods to improve health care for patients through better data use and analytics.
-
Advanced methods and modeling for health research at Washington University
A health research grant at Washington University funds new modeling methods to support future patient-focused studies.
-
Center for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology, Surveillance and Pathogenesis
A NIH program will study and monitor emerging viruses from the Midwest U.S. and three Asian sites to understand how they spread and affect people.
-
How Poverty and the Environment Affect Heart Disease in Haiti and Beyond
This grant studies how poverty-related factors like food insecurity, stress, and pollution contribute to heart disease and aims to follow a large group of adults to better understand and prevent the disease.
-
Wearable tech to track blood loss during childbirth
A wearable device monitors cardiovascular signals to detect postpartum hemorrhage early so clinicians can act quickly to protect mothers.
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.