How brain signals affect communication between nerve cells in the hippocampus
Official title: Presynaptic Modulation of Synaptic Inhibition onto Hippocampal Pyramidal Neurons
Funded at State University of New York at Albany · NIH-10863330 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain chemical called glutamate affects the way nerve cells talk to each other in the hippocampus, which is important for memory and learning, to help us understand how the brain controls signals that calm down or excite these cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Albany NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $461,104 |
| NIH project number | 1R56NS129556-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10863330 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with epilepsy or seizure disorders, as they may benefit from advancements in understanding synaptic inhibition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to synaptic function or those not experiencing neurological disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of presynaptic modulation in the hippocampus, focusing on how glutamate, a neurotransmitter, influences the communication between excitatory and inhibitory nerve cells. By examining the effects of glutamate spillover on different types of interneurons and their connections to CA1 pyramidal cells, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that regulate synaptic inhibition. The research employs both in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological techniques to analyze these interactions and their impact on spatial information processing in the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the mechanisms of epilepsy and other neurological disorders, potentially informing better treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding synaptic modulation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Albany
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scimemi, Annalisa — State University of New York at Albany
- Study coordinator: Scimemi, Annalisa
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cross-disease small molecule therapy for CAG expansion spinocerebellar ataxias
A new NIH grant is exploring whether existing and natural small molecules can lower harmful CAG RNA and proteins across several spinocerebellar ataxias to help people with these conditions.
-
New small molecule therapeutics to help myotonic dystrophy
A new NIH-funded project tests specially designed small molecules to lower harmful RNA activity in myotonic dystrophy and related diseases, aiming to reduce disease-driving RNA effects.
-
Biofilm structure and its role in the start of gum disease
A researchers team will study how tiny communities of bacteria at the gumline interact with the mouth’s tissues to spark inflammation that leads from healthy gums to periodontal disease.
-
Understanding how unusual RNA translation happens in neurological diseases
Researchers are studying how RNAs can start making proteins in unexpected ways in neurodegenerative diseases, which could reveal new targets for therapy.
-
Early-life neighborhood redlining and lifetime mortality in a historical cohort
This project looks at whether growing up in areas graded or disinvested by HOLC in the 1930s affects mortality later in life for people born in 1930–1940.
-
Activating PTP1B and Other Phosphatases with Small Molecules
A safety-focused, patient-friendly look at a project that aims to turn on natural enzymes in our cells to help correct harmful signals in diseases.
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.