How brain cells synchronize their activity
Synaptic and cellular mechanisms of neuronal synchronization
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11301922
Learning how specific inhibitory brain cells in the hippocampus coordinate activity to better understand autism and memory-related problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11301922 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work uses lab experiments in brain tissue and animal models to measure electrical patterns and the interactions between different neurons in the hippocampus. The team focuses on parvalbumin-expressing inhibitory neurons and small disinhibitory networks that control when other cells fire. They combine targeted recordings and circuit-level manipulations to map which cells connect to and control each other. The goal is to reveal circuit mechanisms that produce coordinated brain rhythms important for navigation, memory, attention, and behaviors linked to autism.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autistic disorder or with memory and attention problems related to hippocampal dysfunction are the most relevant patient groups for future translation of this work.
Not a fit: Patients looking for immediate clinical treatments or those with conditions unrelated to brain network synchronization are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to specific cell types or circuit mechanisms to target for therapies that improve memory, attention, or autism-related brain rhythm disruptions.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies manipulating parvalbumin interneurons have altered network rhythms and behavior, but translating these basic findings into proven human treatments remains limited.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHAMBERLAND, SIMON — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: CHAMBERLAND, SIMON
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.
Conditions: Autistic Disorder