Mapping how different parts of the hippocampus handle memories
Multisite analysis of hippocampal neuronal ensembles
This work looks at how different parts of the hippocampus handle memory to help people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11370096 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using animal models to record groups of neurons across the dorsal, middle, and ventral hippocampus and compare how those networks support memory functions. They will study neuronal ensemble activity related to pattern separation (telling similar memories apart) and pattern completion (reconstructing a memory from partial cues) along the hippocampal axis. By comparing these computations across hippocampal regions, the team aims to link basic circuit changes to the early memory loss seen in Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with early Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment who want to follow research developments, contribute samples if requested, or may be eligible for future human trials inspired by this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate symptom relief or those with dementia due to non-Alzheimer causes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic animal-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could clarify why hippocampal damage causes early memory loss in Alzheimer's and point toward new targets for diagnosis or treatment development.
How similar studies have performed: Prior rodent studies have revealed key hippocampal mechanisms, but directly comparing computations across the entire dorsal-to-ventral axis in relation to Alzheimer's is a more novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knierim, James J — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Knierim, James J
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 below.