Improving cognitive function in patients with sleep-related issues
Potentiate Cav3.3 To Treat Cognitive Deficits Associated with Impaired Sleep Spindle
This study is looking at how improving a specific brain channel can help boost sleep quality and thinking skills in people with conditions like schizophrenia and Alzheimer's, with the hope of creating new treatments that make a positive difference in their lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Broad Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10694197 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of sleep spindles, which are brain oscillations that occur during non-rapid eye movement sleep, in cognitive deficits associated with conditions like schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. The study focuses on enhancing the function of a specific calcium channel (CaV3.3) in the brain, which is believed to be underactive in these patients. By developing new pharmacological agents that can boost CaV3.3 activity, the research aims to improve cognitive function and address the underlying issues related to impaired sleep spindles. Patients may benefit from potential new treatments that target these cognitive impairments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia or Alzheimer's disease who experience cognitive impairments linked to sleep disturbances.
Not a fit: Patients without cognitive deficits or those not diagnosed with schizophrenia or Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve cognitive function in patients suffering from sleep-related cognitive deficits.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing cognitive function through modulation of calcium channels, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Broad Institute, INC. — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pan, Jen Qian — Broad Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Pan, Jen Qian
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.