Understanding how brain cells communicate in the medial entorhinal cortex
Official title: Mechanisms of Neural Synchrony in the Medial Entorhinal Cortex
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-10884213 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells in a part of the brain important for navigation and memory work together when we move around, which could help us understand more about how our brains learn and remember things.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,059 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS134309-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884213 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions affecting memory and spatial navigation, such as Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute neurological injuries or those not experiencing memory-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms of neural synchrony in the medial entorhinal cortex (mEC), a brain region crucial for navigation, learning, and memory. By examining how grid cells, which help map spatial environments, interact with fast-spiking interneurons, the study aims to uncover the dynamics of brain cell communication during spatial navigation. The researchers will utilize advanced imaging techniques to monitor the activity of multiple neurons simultaneously, providing insights into how these cells work together. This could enhance our understanding of brain function and its implications for memory and learning.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into brain function that may inform treatments for memory-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in understanding neural synchrony and its implications for brain function, making this research a continuation of established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Brandon David — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Williams, Brandon David
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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.