How brain cell connections grow and stay stable in health and disease
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of dendritic spine growth and stabilization in health and disease
Using advanced imaging and molecular tools to watch how tiny connections between brain cells change, with the goal of helping people with Alzheimer's and memory problems.
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-11194480 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You will hear about work that watches tiny structures on nerve cells called dendritic spines, which help neurons talk to each other during learning. The team uses two-photon microscopy, light-based stimulation, and special fluorescent sensors to see signaling inside dendrites in real time. They combine these images with genetic and drug tests in models of Alzheimer’s to find molecules that help spines grow and remain stable. The hope is to reveal biological steps that could be targeted to protect memory and learning in people with dementia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with Alzheimer’s disease or related memory disorders, or those willing to donate samples to UC Davis for research on Alzheimer's models, are the most relevant participants for future related studies.
Not a fit: Patients without neurological or memory-related conditions, or those seeking immediate treatment, are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic science project right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new molecular targets to protect or restore the synaptic connections that underlie memory, potentially leading to therapies for Alzheimer's-related cognitive decline.
How similar studies have performed: High-resolution imaging of dendritic spines has successfully shown structural changes in animal models, but applying advanced biosensors to map the precise signaling that controls spine stabilization in Alzheimer's models is a newer and evolving approach.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zito, Karen — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Zito, Karen
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.