NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Understanding brain circuit issues in a mouse model of chemotherapy-related cognitive problems

Official title: Characterizing Entorhinal Cortex Circuit Dysfunction in an APOE Mouse Model of Chemotherapy-Induced Cognitive Impairment

Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-11300669 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a specific gene might change brain function in mice that have memory problems after chemotherapy, with the goal of finding ways to help cancer patients who experience similar issues.

More Cognitive Impairment research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGeorgetown University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Washington, United States)
Project startMay 3, 2023
Project endMay 2, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$10,500
NIH project number3F30AG082448-03S1
Project IDNIH-11300669 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who carry the APOE4 gene and are experiencing cognitive difficulties after chemotherapy.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not carry the APOE4 gene or who have not undergone chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how the APOE4 gene affects brain circuits in mice that have experienced chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI). It focuses on the entorhinal cortex, a brain region important for memory and learning, to understand how chemotherapy impacts neuron function in genetically susceptible mice. By examining the differences in neuron behavior and structure, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind cognitive decline in cancer patients. The findings could lead to better understanding and potential interventions for those affected by CICI.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing or mitigating cognitive impairment in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

How similar studies have gone: While research on chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment is ongoing, this specific approach using a mouse model to study the APOE4 gene's effects is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • Georgetown University
    Washington, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Luo, Nancy — Georgetown University
  • Study coordinator: Luo, Nancy

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Understanding brain circuit issues in mice with chemotherapy-related cognitive problems

    This study is looking at how chemotherapy might impact brain function, especially in areas important for memory, in mice that have a genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease, to help us understand why some cancer survivors may experience memory problems after treatment.

    NIH research Georgetown University · Washington, United States · NIH-11088247

  • Understanding how chemotherapy affects brain blood vessels and cognition

    This study is looking at how chemotherapy might affect thinking and memory in cancer survivors by examining changes in brain blood vessels, and it's aimed at helping those who have experienced 'chemobrain' to find ways to improve their cognitive health.

    NIH research University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · Oklahoma City, United States · NIH-10997435

  • Investigating cognitive decline and aging effects from chemotherapy using baboons

    This study is looking at how chemotherapy might affect thinking and brain aging in cancer patients, using baboons to help us understand these changes better, with the hope of finding ways to help people who experience these side effects.

    NIH research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · Houston, United States · NIH-10901848

  • Predicting cognitive impairment after chemotherapy in breast cancer patients

    This study is looking at how chemotherapy might impact thinking and memory in women with breast cancer, and it aims to help predict who might have trouble with these skills after treatment, so they can get the support they need.

    NIH research University of Texas at Austin · Austin, United States · NIH-10832987

  • The role of APOE4 in cognitive impairment caused by cancer chemotherapy

    This study is looking at how a specific gene, called APOE4, might affect memory and thinking skills in cancer patients who are getting chemotherapy, using mice to learn more about how treatment impacts the brain, with the hope of finding ways to help people keep their mental sharpness during and after treatment.

    NIH research Georgetown University · Washington, United States · NIH-10765740

  • Improving Neurological Health with Brain Training for Mild Cognitive Impairment (INHANCE-MCI)

    A computer-based brain training program is being tested to help people with mild cognitive impairment maintain thinking skills and daily functioning.

    NIH research Posit Science Corporation · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11626504

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.