Understanding how brain stress affects memory and thinking
The integrated stress response in cognitive disorders
This research explores how a specific stress response in the brain contributes to memory and thinking problems, aiming to find new ways to help people with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11067807 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks into how a natural stress response in our brain, called the integrated stress response (ISR), can cause problems with memory and thinking. Researchers are creating special mouse models that carry a human genetic change linked to intellectual disability to see how this stress response affects their brains. They will also use advanced tools to find out exactly which brain cells are responsible for memory issues when the ISR is active. Finally, the team plans to develop new ways to find medicines that can block this stress response.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but aims to inform future treatments for individuals experiencing cognitive disorders.
Not a fit: Patients whose cognitive disorders are not linked to the integrated stress response may not benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments for cognitive disorders by targeting the brain's stress response.
How similar studies have performed: While the integrated stress response is a recognized area of study, this project uses novel genetic approaches and aims to develop new screening methods for potential treatments.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pfaffinger, Paul — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Pfaffinger, Paul
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 below.