Understanding how memories are formed and erased in the brain
Official title: Molecular and Circuit Mechanisms of Memory Prevention and Removal
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11081775 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how memories are made and changed in fruit flies, especially how these memories affect their courtship behavior, to help us understand the role of dopamine in memory in the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $515,735 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS138140-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081775 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals experiencing memory impairments or related neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no memory-related issues or those not affected by neurological disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind memory formation and removal, focusing on how memories influence complex behaviors. Using a model organism, the fruit fly, the study explores the role of dopamine in memory processes within specific brain circuits. By examining courtship behavior, researchers aim to uncover how memories are created, stored, and modified, providing insights into the underlying biological processes. The approach combines behavioral experiments with advanced techniques to manipulate and observe neuronal activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating memory-related disorders and improving memory function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding memory mechanisms in simpler organisms, suggesting potential for breakthroughs in more complex systems.
Where this research is happening
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Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crickmore, Michael a — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Crickmore, Michael a
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.