How astrocytes influence brain rhythms and memory
Official title: Regulation of Synaptic Rhythmicity by Astrocytic Clock
Funded at Texas A&m University · NIH-11163792 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells help keep our daily rhythms in check, which is important for learning and memory, especially in people with Alzheimer's disease, to find ways to improve thinking and memory by keeping our body clocks healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,057 |
| NIH project number | 3R01NS133047-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11163792 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing cognitive impairments related to Alzheimer's disease or those with circadian rhythm disruptions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cognitive impairments not related to circadian disruptions or those with other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in regulating the daily rhythms of synapses, which are crucial for learning and memory. It aims to understand how disruptions in the circadian clock can lead to cognitive impairments, particularly in conditions like Alzheimer's disease. By exploring the molecular mechanisms behind these processes, the research seeks to uncover how maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm can support cognitive function. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for cognitive disorders linked to circadian disruptions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between circadian rhythms and cognitive function, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farhy, Isabella — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Farhy, Isabella
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Astrocyte Clock and Daily Rhythms in Brain Function and Memory
This project explores how the brain’s support cells (astrocytes) and their daily clock affect learning, memory, and cognitive health, especially in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Spatial ML tools for huge maps of tissue biology
A high-tech project develops scalable computer methods to analyze very large, spatially-resolved tissue data from patients.
-
Mirror-image RNA-binding reagents to study and modulate RNA in the lab
A scientist-led project to develop mirror-image RNA-binding molecules (L-aptamers) that can target RNA structures with high precision for basic science and potential therapies.
-
Cerebellum changes in aging and cognitive decline
Researchers are studying how aging affects the cerebellum and how these brain changes relate to moments of cognitive decline in people aged 65 and older.
-
GPI-anchor biosynthesis and sleep: how our genes shape your sleep
This project looks at how a specific gene pathway influences sleep in people and animal models to understand why sleep disorders happen.
-
Bayesian modeling of single-cell spatial data to find meaningful patterns in circadian-related affective disorders
A research team will use advanced Bayesian methods on single-cell spatial data to uncover how circadian rhythm disruptions may affect brain and body signals linked to mood and aggression in people with affective disorders.
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.