Role of electrical synapses in sleep, wake, and sensory processing
Official title: The role of electrical synapses in neural dynamics involved in sleep/wake and sensory perception
Funded at VA Boston Health Care System · NIH-11620605 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists want to understand how a brain protein that forms electrical connections affects sleep patterns and the way we process sounds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006105-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11620605 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with sleep-related disorders or sensory processing difficulties who may benefit from advances in understanding brain rhythms.
✕Less likely to help
People without sleep or sensory processing concerns may not directly benefit from this specific mechanistic study.
What this research studies
This project studies a brain protein called connexin 36 (Cx36) and its role in brain rhythms across sleep and wake states, using animal models. It focuses on how electrical synapses in a key brain region called the thalamic reticular nucleus influence cortical oscillations related to sleep and sensory input. By manipulating Cx36 in specific brain areas, researchers aim to see how these rhythms change and relate to behavior. The work could shed light on mechanisms behind sleep disorders and sensory processing issues in neurological conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could improve our understanding of sleep disorders and sensory processing problems, potentially guiding new approaches to treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests electrical synapses influence neural rhythms, but this study explores a more targeted, region-specific role in sleeping and sensing.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Boston Health Care System
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Basheer, Radhika — VA Boston Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Basheer, Radhika
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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.