Seasonal cues shaping brain plasticity and behavior
Official title: Integration of seasonal cues to modulate neuronal plasticity
Funded at Washington State University · NIH-11379971 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant explores how daylength and temperature reshape brain circuits and behavior through seasonal neuronal changes, with potential implications for mood and daily rhythms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00NS133470-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11379971 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable for this basic science grant; however, insights could inform future translational research on human circadian and mood disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefits are not the focus of this preclinical study.
What this research studies
The project studies how animals use seasonal cues like daylength and temperature to adapt their brain circuits, especially circadian and aminergic networks. It will examine structural and functional changes in these circuits and how they relate to social and locomotor behaviors across seasons. By combining analyses of neurons, connectivity, and behavior, the work aims to map how environmental signals drive brain plasticity and seasonal adaptations. The research uses animal models to uncover mechanisms that could inform understanding of human seasonal rhythms and mood-related changes. Overall, this work seeks to connect environmental cues to brain changes and observable behaviors across time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could deepen our understanding of how environmental factors influence brain function and seasonal mood or behavior in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown seasonal brain changes in animals, supporting the plausibility of these mechanisms; translational success remains to be demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington State University
Pullman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hidalgo Sotelo, Sergio Ignacio — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Hidalgo Sotelo, Sergio Ignacio
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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.