Molecular and cellular rules that limit synapse growth in smell circuits
Official title: Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Synaptic Growth Restriction in Central Olfactory Circuits
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11459286 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how smell circuits in the brain form the right number of connections to work well, which could help understand diseases that affect thinking and memory.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $509,949 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS151429-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11459286 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with or at risk for neurodevelopmental or cognitive disorders where synapse development in sensory circuits may be affected.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science project does not involve patient participation and may not directly benefit all individuals with sensory or cognitive conditions at this stage.
What this research studies
This research looks at how nerve cells in the smell system connect with each other as the brain develops. It uses advanced, cell-type specific methods to measure how synapses grow and are restricted between olfactory neurons. The goal is to map the genetic controls that balance synapse formation to support proper chemosensory function and brain health. Findings could shed light on how disruptions in synapse development relate to neurodevelopmental and cognitive disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Gaining insight into how synapses are properly formed may inform future strategies for diagnosing or treating disorders involving sensory processing and cognitive function.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has established detailed, cell-type specific analyses of synapse formation in neural circuits, suggesting that precise measurement can reveal key genetic controls.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mosca, Timothy J. — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Mosca, Timothy J.
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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.