Molecular networks that keep memory lasting in brain circuits
Official title: Molecular networks of memory maintenance and dysfunction in neural circuits
Funded at Suny Downstate Medical Center · NIH-11290075 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how certain molecules keep memories active in brain circuits, with a focus on Alzheimer’s-related memory problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Suny Downstate Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Brooklyn, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $814,434 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH142991-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11290075 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with memory impairment related to Alzheimer’s disease dementia or individuals at risk who could contribute samples or participate in related human studies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without memory-related brain conditions or those unable to participate in human studies or related analyses may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant looks at how networks of molecules, like PKMz and KIBRA, work together to maintain long-term changes in synapses that underlie memory. By studying these interactions in neural circuits, the project aims to understand why memories may fail in disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease dementia. The work involves examining how persistent molecular tagging at activated synapses helps stabilize memory traces over time. Findings could point toward new approaches to support memory function in people affected by memory-related brain disorders. The research will be conducted at SUNY Downstate Medical Center under the direction of Dr. Todd C. Sacktor and his team.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potentially leads to new strategies to preserve or restore memory in people with memory-related brain conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that disrupting persistent molecular tagging can reverse established memory in animal models, suggesting a viable path forward.
Where this research is happening
-
Suny Downstate Medical Center
Brooklyn, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sacktor, Todd C — Suny Downstate Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Sacktor, Todd C
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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.