Investigating a brain circuit involved in memory and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: A 5-HTergic DRN vCA1 circuit and Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10888411 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain pathways that use serotonin might influence memory in people with Alzheimer's, hoping to find new ways to help improve memory for those living with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $111,911 |
| NIH project number | 5K99AG078903-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10888411 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who experience memory impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease who do not exhibit memory deficits may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how specific brain circuits, particularly those involving serotonin neurons, affect memory in Alzheimer's disease. The study focuses on the dorsal Raphe nucleus and its connections to the hippocampus, aiming to understand how these circuits change in Alzheimer's patients. By examining genetic modifications and the effects of serotonin receptor agonists, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets for improving memory function in individuals with Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance memory function in Alzheimer's patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in targeting serotonin pathways for cognitive improvement, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Hesong — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Liu, Hesong
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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.