Understanding how brain connections help us remember similar experiences
Official title: A dynamic synaptic sensor controlling hippocampal CA3 circuit function
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10947158 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain connections in the brain help us remember different experiences, and it’s designed for people interested in understanding memory better, especially how changes in a specific brain sensor might affect how we process memories.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $440,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS138721-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947158 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing cognitive deficits, particularly those related to memory.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no cognitive impairments or those not experiencing memory-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the dynamic changes in synaptic strength within the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for forming episodic memories. By examining the mossy fiber synapses between specific neurons, the study aims to understand how these connections help distinguish between similar memories. The researchers will create a special animal model to observe how altering a key calcium sensor affects memory processing. This approach could reveal important insights into cognitive functions and memory encoding.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving memory function in individuals with cognitive deficits.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding synaptic functions in memory, making this approach a valuable continuation of existing knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Contractor, Anis — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Contractor, Anis
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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.