How tiny brain connections change when memories form
Exploring synaptic encoding of circuit-specific memory in behaving mice
This project looks at how tiny connections between brain cells change during memory formation to help people with memory loss such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11239807 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use genetically tagged synaptic proteins and high-resolution two-photon microscopy to watch synapses in awake, behaving mice as they learn and remember. They focus on AMPA receptors, molecules that tune the strength of connections between neurons during learning. By tracking synaptic changes across specific brain circuits in real time, the team aims to link particular synaptic events to long-term memory. Although the work is performed in mice, the findings are intended to point toward targets and strategies that could eventually help people with Alzheimer’s-related memory decline.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates to follow or benefit from this research are people with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment who are interested in future trials or biomarker-driven therapies based on synaptic mechanisms.
Not a fit: Patients without memory-related conditions or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic research at this time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal precise synaptic mechanisms to target for therapies that preserve or restore memory in Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked synaptic plasticity and AMPA receptor dynamics to learning in cells and brain slices, but real-time, circuit-level imaging in behaving animals is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huganir, Richard L — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Huganir, Richard L
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.