Understanding how brain connections form and change over time
Official title: Characterizing excitatory synapse in vivo structural dynamics
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-10896345 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how connections in the brain, called synapses, are made and changed based on our experiences, using special imaging tools to see these changes in real-time in living animals, which could help us understand brain disorders better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $475,001 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034419-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896345 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with brain disorders that affect synaptic integrity and function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurological conditions or those whose brain function is not impacted by synaptic changes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the dynamics of excitatory synapses in the brain, focusing on how these connections are formed and eliminated in response to experiences. Using advanced imaging techniques like two-photon microscopy, researchers will visualize synapses in living animals, particularly in the visual system. The study aims to track the structural changes of these synapses and analyze the proteins involved, providing insights into how synaptic integrity is maintained or disrupted in brain disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating brain disorders by improving our understanding of synaptic dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding synaptic dynamics using similar imaging techniques, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nedivi, Elly — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Nedivi, Elly
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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.