How brain signals affect the development of neural circuits
Official title: Genomic Mechanisms of BDNF Signaling in the Brain
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10994590 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a protein called BDNF helps shape brain connections during important growth stages, using mice to learn more about how it affects vision and could help us understand conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $76,756 |
| NIH project number | 5F32NS134623-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994590 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurodegenerative conditions or those not affected by cognitive decline may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in shaping neural circuits during critical developmental periods. By studying transgenic mice, the project aims to uncover how BDNF influences gene expression and synaptic connections in the brain, particularly in the visual cortex. The research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, which is essential for processing sensory information. Patients may benefit from insights gained about BDNF's role in neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's, by enhancing our understanding of synaptic plasticity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of BDNF in synaptic plasticity, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gegenhuber, Jordan Bruno — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Gegenhuber, Jordan Bruno
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Comparing End-of-Life Care for Older Adults Across Richer Countries
Aims to understand how end-of-life care for older adults with serious illnesses differs in the US compared with other high-income countries.
-
Comparing End-of-Life Care for Older Adults Across Rich Countries
A study compares how end-of-life care is handled for older adults in the US and other high-income countries to identify what might improve care here.
-
Comparing End-of-Life Care for Older Adults in Rich Countries
A large study from Harvard Medical School compares how older adults near the end of life are cared for in the US and other top-income countries to understand differences and improve care.
-
Comparing End-of-Life Care for Older Adults Across Rich Countries
A study using international data to understand how end-of-life care for older adults with poor prognoses differs across five high‑income countries.
-
Comparing End-of-Life Care for Older Adults Across Rich Countries
A research project compares how older adults with serious illnesses receive end-of-life care in the US and other high-income countries to find ways to improve care in the United States.
-
Comparing End-of-Life Care for Older Adults Across Rich Countries
A project compares how older adults near the end of life are cared for in the U.S. and other high-income countries to identify ways to improve care and reduce wasteful spending.
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.