Understanding how certain brain cells help coordinate memory formation
Official title: Long-range GABAergic inhibition coordinates hippocampal-subcortical circuit activity in memory formation
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11013400 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special brain cells that help control how we remember things, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how our memories are formed and retrieved.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | March 6, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $412,267 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130367-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013400 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing early symptoms of memory impairment or those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with memory issues unrelated to GABAergic dysfunction or those with advanced Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of long-range GABAergic inhibitory neurons in the hippocampus and their influence on memory formation. By examining how these neurons connect with other brain regions, the study aims to uncover their impact on rhythmic brain activity, particularly during memory encoding and retrieval. The researchers will use advanced techniques like anterograde tracing and patch-clamp recordings to explore the properties and functions of these neurons. This could lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying memory and learning processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into memory disorders, potentially informing treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on long-range GABAergic inhibition is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding brain connectivity and memory functions.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Qian — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Sun, Qian
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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.