How stress responses in the brain affect behavior and learning.

Significance of Protein Synthesis by the Integrated Stress Response in Neuromodulatory Neurons for Adaptive Behavior and Synaptic Plasticity

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-10873249

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10873249 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with autism spectrum disorder, dementia, or other cognitive impairments.

Not a fit: Patients without cognitive impairments or those not affected by the conditions being studied may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Durham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Autistic Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.