How brain cell signaling controls memory and forgetting in Alzheimer’s
Signaling Mechanisms Regulating Rho GTPase-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity Underlying Memory in Health and Disease
This research tests whether changing specific cell signals that control connections between brain cells can help memory for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10795770 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying molecules called Rho GTPases (like Rac1 and RhoA) and the proteins that regulate them to understand how synapses strengthen or weaken during memory and forgetting. They will examine how regulatory partners such as Tiam1 and Bcr control actin and synapse structure in adult brains and in models relevant to Alzheimer’s. Work will combine lab models of Alzheimer’s-related changes with molecular and cellular experiments to see how altering these signals affects synapse stability. Findings will be compared to disease-relevant data to guide possible future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease dementia or mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s, especially adults, would be the most relevant group for downstream clinical trials based on this work.
Not a fit: People with non‑Alzheimer’s forms of dementia or those with very advanced, widespread brain degeneration may be less likely to benefit from interventions targeting these signaling pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or strategies to preserve synapses and improve memory in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical lab studies have shown that altering Rac1 and related signaling can change memory and forgetting in animal models, but translating these findings to human Alzheimer’s patients remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tolias, Kimberly R — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Tolias, Kimberly R
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.