Investigating how specific brain neurons influence memory and sleep patterns
Official title: Nucleus reuniens of the thalamus as a target for driving network-wide memory states
Funded at Florida International University · NIH-10872181 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells in a part of the thalamus affect memory and sleep by using special techniques to activate them in rats, which could help us understand more about how our brains work and how to improve memory-related issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida International University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $133,915 |
| NIH project number | 5K99NS128718-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10872181 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or related cognitive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those who do not have cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of specific neurons in the nucleus reuniens of the thalamus and their impact on memory and sleep-related brain activity. By using advanced techniques like optogenetics, the researchers aim to stimulate these neurons in freely behaving rats to observe changes in memory performance and brain rhythms during wakefulness and sleep. The study will explore how these neurons can synchronize brain circuits involved in memory, potentially leading to new insights into cognitive functions and disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving memory function in patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting the nucleus reuniens is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding brain circuits related to memory and cognition.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida International University
Miami, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Viena, Tatiana Danela — Florida International University
- Study coordinator: Viena, Tatiana Danela
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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.