Enzymes that control cAMP signals inside memory brain cells
Phosphodiesterases govern nuclear cAMP signaling for gene expression
This project looks at how specific enzymes (the PDE4 family) move and shape signaling inside hippocampal neurons so those cells can turn on genes needed for learning and memory.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11218700 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will work with hippocampal neurons and animal learning models to watch cAMP signaling and follow the PDE4D5 enzyme as it moves between the nucleus and the cell surface. They will stimulate β2-adrenergic receptors and use molecular tools to change GRK, PKA, and arrestin3 activity to see how those changes affect nuclear cAMP and gene activation. Experiments will combine cellular imaging, molecular manipulation, and behavioral memory tests in rodents to link the molecular events to memory-related outcomes. The aim is to map how cAMP gets into the nucleus and controls genes during memory formation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with memory complaints, mild cognitive impairment, or other memory-related conditions would be the most relevant group for these findings.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to learning and memory (for example isolated peripheral or non-cognitive disorders) are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to boost learning and memory by targeting PDE4D or related signaling steps.
How similar studies have performed: PDE4 inhibitors have improved learning and memory in animal studies and some human work, but the detailed role of nuclear cAMP and PDE4D5 is relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiang, Yang Kevin — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Xiang, Yang Kevin
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 below.