Inhibitory nerve cells in the primate hippocampus (CA3–CA1)
Primate inhibitory neurons in hippocampal CA3-CA1 intrinsic circuits
This project looks at how specific inhibitory brain cells in the primate hippocampus work and connect, to better understand memory and mood-related problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11305303 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have anxiety, PTSD, or a related mood disorder, this work aims to map the types, electrical behavior, shapes, and connections of inhibitory neurons in the front part of the primate hippocampus (CA3–CA1). Researchers will use unbiased cell-counting methods, slice electrophysiology to record single-cell electrical properties, detailed staining and microscopy to trace cell shapes, and high-resolution confocal imaging to map connections. They use a primate model because the primate hippocampus is more similar to humans than rodent brains. The goal is to create a detailed primate-specific picture of inhibitory circuits that have been linked to psychiatric conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is preclinical lab research using primate tissue/animals and is not enrolling patients; people with anxiety, PTSD, or schizophrenia are the intended eventual beneficiaries rather than participants.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or wanting to join a clinical trial should not expect direct benefit from this project because it does not provide patient treatment or enrollment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to specific cell types and circuit changes in the primate hippocampus that underlie memory and mood disorders, informing targets for future therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Extensive rodent studies have successfully mapped inhibitory hippocampal neurons and provided insights, but comparable high-resolution primate data are limited, making this a novel extension to primates.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University (Charles River Campus) — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barbas, Helen — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Barbas, Helen
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.