Investigating how a specific chemical modification in the brain affects learning and memory.
Official title: Histone crotonylation as a novel regulator of learning and memory
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10996441 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new chemical change in brain proteins that might be affected by how our brain cells are active, and it aims to understand how this change could influence learning and memory, which could help us learn more about conditions that affect thinking and development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $73,828 |
| NIH project number | 1F32MH138117-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996441 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cognitive impairments or neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly those experiencing developmental delays.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with purely physical health conditions unrelated to cognitive function or memory may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore how a newly identified chemical modification on histones, called crotonylation, is influenced by neuronal activity and its role in learning and memory processes. By examining how this modification affects gene expression in the brain, the study seeks to uncover its potential impact on cognitive functions and the development of psychological and neurodevelopmental disorders. The research will utilize advanced tools to manipulate and detect crotonylation in physiological contexts, providing insights into its regulatory mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving memory and treating cognitive disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on crotonylation is relatively novel, previous research on other histone modifications has shown promising results in understanding cognitive processes and related disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Petronglo, Jenna Rose — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Petronglo, Jenna Rose
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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.