How dopamine circuits affect learning and memory
Official title: Dopaminergic circuit modulation of learning and arousal-mediated memory enhancement
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10936517 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain circuits that use dopamine help fruit flies learn and remember things, which could help us understand memory problems in people and find better treatments for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $354,462 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS114403-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936517 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals experiencing memory-related issues or cognitive disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no cognitive impairments or those not affected by memory disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific dopamine circuits in modulating learning and memory in the brain. Using the fruit fly Drosophila as a model organism, the study will explore how these circuits convey different signals related to positive and negative experiences, as well as arousal. Through advanced imaging and behavioral experiments, researchers aim to understand how these circuits influence memory encoding and neuronal plasticity. The findings could provide insights into how memories are formed and disrupted, which is crucial for developing treatments for memory-related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating memory impairments and cognitive disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of dopamine in learning and memory, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tomchik, Seth M — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Tomchik, Seth M
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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.