How neurons adapt their connections during changes in activity
Official title: Molecular mechanisms of homeostatic synaptic plasticity
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11007242 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how brain cells, or neurons, keep working well even when their activity changes, focusing on how they adjust by adding special receptors when they're less active, which is important for healthy brain development and function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 6, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $438,053 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130600-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007242 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological conditions that involve synaptic plasticity or neuronal activity disruptions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute neurological injuries or conditions unrelated to synaptic plasticity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how neurons maintain stability and function when faced with changes in their activity levels. It focuses on a process called homeostatic synaptic plasticity, where neurons increase certain receptors in response to reduced activity. The study examines the role of specific enzymes and molecular mechanisms that affect the formation of these receptors, particularly in the context of brain development and function. By understanding these processes, researchers aim to uncover how neurons can effectively respond to challenges and maintain proper signaling.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into treating neurological disorders related to synaptic dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding synaptic plasticity, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Man, Hengye — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Man, Hengye
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How Arousal Changes How We See the World
This grant studies how moments of alertness or mood changes alter how the brain processes what we see.
-
NGF Metabolism as a biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
Researchers are studying whether patterns in nerve growth factor pathways in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical stages of Alzheimer's in people with genetic risk.
-
NGF metabolism as an early biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
This project tests whether NGF pathway proteins in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical changes in people with familial Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Ultra-High Density wearable brain monitoring in real life
Aims to make advanced wearable brain sensors that work in daily life to track brain activity alongside movement, perception, and communication.
-
A new method to image brain activity noninvasively using speckle contrast spectroscopy
A new, noninvasive imaging technique called speckle contrast optical spectroscopy (SCOS) could help measure brain blood flow in people, including those with brain injuries or neurodegenerative conditions.
-
NGF Metabolic Dysfunction as a Marker of Cognitive Decline in Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease
This project looks at nerve growth factor pathways in people with a genetic form of Alzheimer's to see if blood and spinal fluid markers can identify early brain changes before symptoms appear.
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.