NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how brain signaling affects learning and memory.

Official title: Neuronal Intracellular Signaling Underlying Synaptic, Circuit and Behavioral Plasticity

Funded at Max Planck Florida Corporation · NIH-11091597 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how tiny parts of brain cells help us learn and remember, using special tools to see and change their activity in both brain samples and living animals, so we can better understand how our brains work.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMax Planck Florida Corporation
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Jupiter, UNITED STATES)
Project startMay 1, 2020
Project endApril 30, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$1,158,000
NIH project number5R35NS116804-06
Project IDNIH-11091597 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-neurological conditions or those without cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the intricate signaling processes within dendritic spines of neurons, which are crucial for learning and memory. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques and optogenetic tools, the study aims to measure and manipulate these signaling activities in both brain slices and live animals. The goal is to uncover how these signaling pathways contribute to synaptic and behavioral plasticity, ultimately enhancing our understanding of brain function.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neuronal signaling and its implications for cognitive function, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Max Planck Florida Corporation
    Jupiter, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Yasuda, Ryohei — Max Planck Florida Corporation
  • Study coordinator: Yasuda, Ryohei

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  • Improving tools to measure brain signals and neurotransmitter activity

    This study is looking at new ways to see how brain chemicals work in real-time, which could help us understand brain function better and eventually lead to new treatments for neurological conditions.

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  • How specific acetylcholine receptors in a hippocampus region affect memory stability

    Researchers are looking at whether activating certain muscarinic acetylcholine receptors on hippocampal CA1 neurons helps form and keep memories, with relevance to aging and Alzheimer's disease.

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  • Understanding how the brain encodes memories in sequences

    This study is looking at how our brains create and store memories, especially focusing on a part of the brain called the hippocampus, and it’s designed for anyone interested in understanding how memories work, including those with memory issues.

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.