How the brain maps places and memories
The Dynamics of Neural Representations for Distinct Spatial Contexts and Memory Episodes
['FUNDING_R01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11306657
Researchers are looking at how brain circuits form internal maps of places and experiences to help explain problems with memory and navigation.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11306657 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, scientists are studying how groups of brain cells create unique internal maps for different places and events, which helps animals navigate and remember. They focus on a brain area called the medial entorhinal cortex and record how its cells change their activity when environments or behaviors change. The team will manipulate key circuit nodes and behavioral variables like movement and reward to see which parts drive transitions between neural map states. Most of this work is done in laboratory animals to learn mechanisms that relate to human memory and navigation problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not directly enroll patients, but it is most relevant to people with spatial memory or navigation difficulties such as those seen in Alzheimer's disease and other brain disorders.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment or therapies are unlikely to receive direct benefit because this is preclinical laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal circuit targets and mechanisms that guide future treatments for spatial memory and navigation problems in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have well described remapping of entorhinal neurons between different sensory environments, and linking behavioral state changes to remapping is supported by preliminary data but still an active, emerging area.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GIOCOMO, LISA — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: GIOCOMO, LISA
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: Brain Diseases, Brain Disorders