How estrogen affects memory and brain structure
Official title: Estrogenic regulation of the hippocampal ubiquitin-proteasome system and its role in memory and structural plastcity
Funded at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee · NIH-11083164 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the hormone 17β-estradiol affects memory and brain changes, helping us understand how it might influence thinking and learning in both men and women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin Milwaukee NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $506,244 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS128123-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083164 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older, particularly those experiencing memory issues or neuropsychiatric conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 21 years old or do not have memory-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the hormone 17β-estradiol in regulating memory formation and brain plasticity, particularly in the hippocampus. It aims to understand how this hormone influences the ubiquitin-proteasome system, which is crucial for protein degradation and synaptic remodeling. By studying both males and females, the research seeks to uncover the neural mechanisms that link estrogen to memory consolidation and changes in brain structure. Patients may benefit from insights into how hormonal changes affect memory and cognitive function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for memory impairments associated with neuropsychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that hormonal regulation of memory and brain plasticity is a promising area, but the specific mechanisms being explored in this study are relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frick, Karyn M — University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
- Study coordinator: Frick, Karyn M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Metal-dependent protein phosphatases in Parkinson’s disease
A study to understand how a family of brain enzymes called phosphatases may protect neurons in people with Parkinson’s disease.
-
Stress and alcohol-related sexual assault in college students
A study with college students who drink heavily will look at how stress and daily factors relate to the chance of sexual assault happening in relation to alcohol use.
-
Neural training to improve stopping impulses in OCD and related conditions
A new computer-based training helps people with OCD, trichotillomania, or skin picking disorders improve their ability to stop automatic urges.
-
How stress and drinking relate to sexual assault risk among college students
This project looks at how heavy drinking and stress are linked to experiences of sexual assault among college students.
-
How social media images relate to suicidal thoughts in transgender teens
This project uses digital photovoice to learn how social media content seen by transgender and non-binary teens (ages 15–20) connects with feelings of self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
-
Understanding how BRAF and RAF1 variants affect cell structure and signaling in a worm model
This project studies how disease-linked changes in human BRAF and RAF1 genes alter Raf protein behavior and the cell’s skeleton using a worm model.
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.