How CB1 (cannabinoid) receptors shape learning in the cerebellum
CB1 receptors mediate metaplasticity in the cerebellar circuit
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER · NIH-11237129
This project looks at whether activity-driven changes in CB1 cannabinoid receptors change how the cerebellum updates and stores information, which may be relevant to people with memory or movement problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11237129 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how normal patterns of brain activity change the amount and function of CB1 receptors at nerve endings in the cerebellum, a brain region involved in movement and some types of learning. They will use animal models and brain tissue with advanced imaging (including two-photon microscopy) and electrical recordings to measure long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) at specific synapses. The team will test whether activity-dependent down-regulation of presynaptic CB1 receptors reduces the size or likelihood of these plasticity changes, a process called metaplasticity. Findings will be used to link cellular receptor changes to how neural circuits acquire and stabilize learned responses over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project is preclinical laboratory research and does not enroll patients, so there are no patient recruitment criteria for this grant.
Not a fit: Because the work is laboratory-focused and uses animal/ tissue models, patients should not expect direct or immediate clinical benefit from this grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to cannabinoid-related targets to help preserve or improve learning and memory in disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease or movement disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows CB1 receptors can modify synaptic plasticity, but applying that knowledge to activity-dependent metaplasticity in the cerebellum is relatively new and supported mainly by preliminary data.
Where this research is happening
SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER — SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PUGH, JASON RICHARD — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER
- Study coordinator: PUGH, JASON RICHARD
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