Understanding brain circuits that control wakefulness and alertness
Molecular-Genetic Dissection of Subcortical Circuitry Regulating Arousal
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-11303264
Researchers are mapping specific brain cell circuits that keep people awake and alert to help people with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other conditions that disrupt arousal.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11303264 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses molecular and genetic tools in animal models to map the subcortical brain circuits that control wakefulness and fast brain rhythms. The team records EEG and behavior, traces inputs to key neuron types, and manipulates specific neurons while animals are awake. They focus on connections from supramammillary glutamate neurons to basal forebrain GABAergic neurons that preliminary data show are critical for wake and fast cortical rhythms. Results are intended to clarify how these circuits may break down in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and disorders of consciousness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, excessive daytime sleepiness, disrupted sleep-wake cycles, or chronic disorders of consciousness would be the kinds of patients who might ultimately benefit or take part in future clinical work.
Not a fit: People whose symptoms are unrelated to brain arousal circuits or who need immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new targets for drugs or brain-based therapies to improve wakefulness and cognitive function in people with neurodegenerative disease or disorders of consciousness.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have identified neuron types that influence wakefulness and the investigators present preliminary supporting data, but translating these findings into human treatments is still at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
DAVIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS — DAVIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FULLER, PATRICK M — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- Study coordinator: FULLER, PATRICK M
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 below.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease