Understanding how brain cells called astrocytes affect memory and thinking
Astrocyte RNA degradation and cognitive function
This project looks at how certain brain cells called astrocytes manage their genetic messages, and how this process might affect our memory and thinking abilities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11098593 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains have special cells called astrocytes that help control how our nerve cells communicate and how we think. This project explores a process within astrocytes that manages their genetic instructions, called Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay (NMD). While we know NMD is important in nerve cells for memory and learning, we don't fully understand its role in astrocytes. Researchers want to find out if and how this process in astrocytes influences our brain's ability to learn and remember.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not currently recruiting patients, but future studies building on this work might seek adults experiencing cognitive difficulties or certain mental illnesses.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing cognitive difficulties or mental illnesses would likely not see direct benefit from this specific foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover new ways to target astrocytes to improve memory and thinking for people with certain mental illnesses.
How similar studies have performed: While similar processes have been explored in other brain cells, this specific focus on astrocytes represents a novel and unexplored area of brain function.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Colak, Dilek — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Colak, Dilek
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.