How forgetting works in long-term memory
Official title: Cellular mechanisms of forgetting a long-term memory
Funded at Dominican University · NIH-11041251 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains forget long-term memories by using a sea slug, and it aims to understand how certain brain signals help us forget, which could help people with memory problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dominican University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (River Forest, United States) |
| Project start | November 18, 2024 |
| Project end | November 17, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $392,062 |
| NIH project number | 2R15MH107892-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11041251 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals experiencing cognitive retention disorders or those interested in understanding memory processes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have memory-related issues or cognitive disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological processes involved in forgetting long-term memories using a model organism, Aplysia californica. The team will explore how certain signals in the brain, specifically the inhibitory transmitter FMRF-amide, play a role in the active process of forgetting. By manipulating these signals, researchers aim to understand the physiological changes that occur during memory formation and forgetting. This could provide insights into cognitive retention disorders and how memory can be regulated.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing memory retention and treating cognitive disorders related to memory loss.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding memory processes, but this specific approach focusing on the active mechanisms of forgetting is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Dominican University
River Forest, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Calin-Jageman, Irina Elena — Dominican University
- Study coordinator: Calin-Jageman, Irina Elena
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating eye degeneration in cave-dwelling crustaceans
This study looks at how the eyes of cave-dwelling crustaceans are different from those living on the surface, helping us understand why their eyes might shrink over time and what genes are involved in this change.
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.