How brain cells change during learning
Official title: Compartment-Specific Synaptic Organization and Plasticity During Learning
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11112253 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny parts of brain cells called dendrites change and connect while animals learn new things, helping us understand more about how our brains work when we remember and learn.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $121,933 |
| NIH project number | 1K99MH140060-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11112253 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or those affected by addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute neurological injuries or those not experiencing cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different parts of brain cells, specifically dendrites, organize and change their connections during the learning process. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to observe how synaptic inputs are arranged in these dendrites in live animals as they learn. The researchers will explore the unique properties of these compartments and how they influence the brain's ability to process information. This work could provide insights into the fundamental mechanisms of learning and memory.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of learning processes and potentially lead to new treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding synaptic organization and plasticity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wright, William James — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Wright, William James
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improved MRI guidance for pediatric heart catheterization using autonomous multi-beat image synthesis
Aiming to make MRI-guided pediatric heart catheterizations safer and more reliable by using smart, multi-beat data fusion to produce clearer real-time MRI images.
-
Adapting a combination approach to reduce heavy drinking and boost HIV care and prevention among young men
A pilot project tests a proven program that helps young men cut down on heavy drinking and improves HIV treatment and prevention outcomes.
-
How specific anti-NMDAR1 antibodies in the blood may affect memory and brain protection
This research is exploring whether natural or abnormal anti-NMDAR1 antibodies in the blood influence memory, behavior, and brain protection in humans.
-
Screening and treatment of Chlamydia infection in pregnancy to help prevent preterm birth
This grant studies whether screening pregnant people for Chlamydia trachomatis and treating those who are positive can reduce the risk of preterm birth.
-
Pharmacometrics Core at UC San Diego
A pharmacometrics core is funded to support researchers in analyzing drug data to improve how medicines work for patients.
-
Milk Analytics Core for Precision Dairy Research
A core facility at UC San Diego will provide specialized milk analysis services to support research on dairy biology and human health.
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.