NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Understanding brain changes after traumatic injury

Official title: Imaging progressive circuit reorganization after traumatic brain injury

Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10899470 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a traumatic brain injury affects the brain's memory and navigation areas, and it hopes to find ways to help improve thinking skills by possibly using new brain cell treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California-Irvine
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Irvine, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$44,751
NIH project number5F31NS132447-02
Project IDNIH-10899470 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury and are facing cognitive challenges.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-traumatic brain injuries or those without cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects the brain's circuitry, particularly focusing on the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory and spatial navigation. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to map the structural and functional changes in neurons following TBI. The research will also explore how these changes impact cognitive functions and whether transplanting certain types of brain cells can help restore normal function. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new treatments for cognitive disabilities resulting from TBI.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that improve cognitive function and memory in patients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding brain circuitry changes after injury, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California-Irvine
    Irvine, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Tierno, Alexa Marie — University of California-Irvine
  • Study coordinator: Tierno, Alexa Marie

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.