Understanding how brain cells form and store memories
Official title: Subcellular plasticity mechanisms of hippocampal-dependent memory formation and consolidation
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11001641 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain brain cells help us form and keep memories, especially in the part of the brain called the hippocampus, and it hopes to find helpful information for people dealing with memory issues like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $49,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F99NS139551-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001641 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing early symptoms of memory impairment or those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia may not benefit from this research due to the focus on early memory processes.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cellular mechanisms involved in the formation and consolidation of memories in the hippocampus, a critical area of the brain for memory processing. It focuses on how specific types of brain cells, called pyramidal neurons, interact during memory encoding and consolidation. By examining the electrical signals and synaptic changes that occur in these neurons, the research aims to uncover the fundamental processes that underlie memory formation. Patients may benefit from insights gained about memory-related conditions, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing memory function and treating memory-related disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding memory mechanisms, but this specific approach to studying synaptic plasticity in the context of memory formation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gonzalez, Kevin C — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Gonzalez, Kevin C
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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.