Investigating how brain cells called astrocytes contribute to memory formation.
Official title: Defining Astrocyte Engram Ensembles During Memory Formation
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10722056 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special brain cells called astrocytes help us form and remember memories, which could lead to new ways to help people with memory problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $440,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH134002-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10722056 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with memory issues not related to neurodegenerative diseases may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in the formation of memories. By using advanced techniques to manipulate and label these cells in mouse models, the researchers aim to explore how astrocytes interact with neurons during learning and memory recall. The study will investigate the concept of astrocyte engrams, which are thought to be crucial for memory storage, and how these cells contribute to synaptic plasticity, a key process in learning. Patients with memory-related conditions may benefit from insights gained through this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating memory disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of neurons in memory has been extensively studied, the investigation of astrocyte engrams is a novel approach that has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deneen, Benjamin — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Deneen, Benjamin
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.