How stress responses in the brain affect behavior and learning.
Official title: Significance of Protein Synthesis by the Integrated Stress Response in Neuromodulatory Neurons for Adaptive Behavior and Synaptic Plasticity
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10873249 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific brain response affects the way our brains make proteins that are important for learning and memory, especially in people with conditions like dementia and autism, to find new ways to help improve thinking and memory skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $609,609 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS133430-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873249 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with autism spectrum disorder, dementia, or other cognitive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cognitive impairments or those not affected by the conditions being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the Integrated Stress Response (ISR) in the brain influences protein synthesis, which is crucial for learning and memory. By using a novel viral reporter system, researchers aim to understand when and where the ISR is activated in the brain, particularly in relation to adaptive behaviors and synaptic plasticity. The study focuses on the implications of ISR modulation in conditions like dementia and autism, exploring how these mechanisms can be manipulated to improve cognitive functions. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for cognitive impairments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance learning and memory in patients with cognitive disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that manipulating stress response pathways can lead to significant improvements in cognitive function, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Calakos, Nicole — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Calakos, Nicole
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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.