How brain support cells' internal clock controls memory rhythms
Regulation of Synaptic Rhythmicity by Astrocytic Clock
['FUNDING_R01'] · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY · NIH-11164647
Seeing whether the internal clock inside brain support cells (astrocytes) keeps synapses on a daily rhythm to help protect memory in people with sleep disruption or Alzheimer’s.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11164647 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how the daily clock inside astrocytes — the brain cells that support neurons — controls time-of-day changes in synapses that underlie learning and memory. In laboratory experiments they will measure clock genes (like ARNTL/BMAL1) and synaptic proteins (including AMPA receptor levels) and use cell and animal models to mimic circadian disruption. The team will connect those molecular and synaptic changes to memory-related behaviors to see if breaking the astrocyte clock harms cognition. This work aims to reveal mechanisms linking sleep/circadian problems to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s-related changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most likely to benefit would include those with early-stage Alzheimer’s, mild memory problems, or chronic circadian/sleep disruption such as long-term shift workers.
Not a fit: Patients with very advanced dementia or memory loss from non-circadian causes may be less likely to benefit directly from these basic laboratory findings in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets or timing strategies to help protect memory in people with circadian disruption or early Alzheimer’s.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research links circadian disruption to memory problems, but focusing on the astrocyte clock as a driver of synaptic rhythms is a newer and still-emerging approach.
Where this research is happening
COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES
- TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY — COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FARHY, ISABELLA — TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: FARHY, ISABELLA
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: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease