How mild head injury changes brain cells that control rhythms
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Alters Interneuron Structure and Function
['FUNDING_R01'] · VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY · NIH-11322120
Researchers are looking at how mild head injuries change specific brain cells that control brain rhythms and touch sensitivity, with the goal of helping people after concussion.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (RICHMOND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11322120 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses a well-established mouse model of mild head injury to examine two types of inhibitory brain cells called parvalbumin (PV) and somatostatin (SOM) interneurons. Scientists will use genetically modified mice and chemogenetic tools to change the PV:SOM balance and record how those changes affect brain rhythms (gamma oscillations) and sensitivity to touch. They will also study whether immune cells (microglia) and the protective perineuronal nets around PV cells are damaged after injury. The goal is to link cell-level damage to altered brain waves and sensory symptoms people often report after mild traumatic brain injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who have experienced a mild traumatic brain injury or concussion and who are interested in research that may inform future treatments.
Not a fit: People without a history of head injury or whose symptoms come from other causes are unlikely to directly benefit from this mouse-based basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal cellular mechanisms behind sensory problems after mild head injury and point to new targets for therapies to help people with concussion-related symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Related animal studies have linked PV:SOM imbalances to altered gamma rhythms in other brain disorders, but applying these findings specifically to mild TBI and sensory sensitivity is a newer direction.
Where this research is happening
RICHMOND, UNITED STATES
- VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY — RICHMOND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JACOBS, KIMBERLE MAE — VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: JACOBS, KIMBERLE MAE
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: Autistic Disorder