How the brain's memory circuits learn and remember
Circuit dynamics supporting associative learning in the dentate gyrus
This project explores how a part of the brain called the dentate gyrus helps us learn and form memories, especially as we get older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137821 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains constantly turn experiences into patterns that guide our emotions and decisions, helping us store important memories. This project looks closely at how a specific brain area, the dentate gyrus within the hippocampus, helps to sort and store these experiences. Researchers want to understand the exact ways these brain circuits change as we learn new things. This work is important because problems with forming clear memories are common in cognitive conditions linked to aging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research aims to benefit individuals experiencing age-related memory decline or cognitive dysfunction in the future.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct participation in a clinical trial would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of memory problems in aging and potentially new ways to help people with age-related cognitive decline.
How similar studies have performed: Previous findings by this team suggest that the dentate gyrus plays a role in classifying sensory information, providing a foundation for this deeper exploration.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kheirbek, Mazen a — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Kheirbek, Mazen a
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.