Understanding how brain connections form and change in diseases like addiction and Alzheimer's.
Official title: Cell-Contact Mediated Mechanisms Assembling Synapses (R01DA022727)
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11088941 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how connections in the brain are formed and changed, especially when conditions like addiction and Alzheimer's affect them, with the hope of finding new treatments that could help people with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $415,921 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA022727-16 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088941 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals affected by addiction, Alzheimer's disease, or related neurodegenerative conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to synaptic plasticity or those not experiencing cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the formation and plasticity of synapses, which are crucial for brain function and learning. It focuses on how diseases such as addiction and Alzheimer's disrupt these processes, leading to maladaptive changes in the brain. By studying the molecular dynamics of synaptic proteins, the research aims to uncover how these changes occur and how they can be targeted for treatment. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapies for these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for addiction and Alzheimer's disease by restoring normal synaptic function.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding synaptic mechanisms in related conditions, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dalva, Matthew B — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Dalva, Matthew B
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.