Inhibitory Network Plasticity in Neurological Disease
Funded at University of California Riverside · NIH-11369906 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research team at UC Riverside is studying how inhibitory brain cells shape memory processing in people with temporal lobe epilepsy and related Alzheimer’s-related changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2011 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $683,422 |
| NIH project number | 5R37NS069861-15 |
| Project ID | NIH-11369906 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy and those with Alzheimer’s-related memory challenges who could contribute tissue samples or participate in related studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without temporal lobe epilepsy or Alzheimer’s-related memory issues may not directly benefit from this work.
What this research studies
This project explores how different inhibitory neurons in the dentate gyrus help memory-related signals become distinct, which may be disrupted in temporal lobe epilepsy and Alzheimer's-related conditions. By examining how specific neuron types influence dendritic processing and network activity, researchers aim to uncover mechanisms behind memory impairments. The study uses brain circuit analysis that could point toward targeted therapies to preserve or improve memory for patients with these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these circuit mechanisms could lead to new approaches to protect or restore memory function in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and Alzheimer’s-related cognitive decline.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that inhibitory circuits influence memory processing, suggesting this approach could yield meaningful insights, though mechanisms are complex.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Riverside
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Santhakumar, Vijayalakshmi — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Santhakumar, Vijayalakshmi
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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.