Understanding how specific genes control the development of brain cells in the olfactory cortex.
Official title: Gene regulatory network control of olfactory cortex cell type specification
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11017723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of nerve cells in the part of the brain that helps us smell and remember things are formed and function, using mice to learn more about the genes that make these cells unique.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $433,013 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC020478-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017723 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with conditions affecting their sense of smell or related cognitive functions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to olfactory processing or those over the age of 21 may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic and molecular mechanisms that define different types of neurons in the olfactory cortex, which is crucial for our sense of smell and memory. By analyzing gene expression and chromatin accessibility in adult mice, the researchers aim to identify unique cell types and understand how these cells develop over time. The study employs advanced techniques like ATAC sequencing to explore the regulatory networks that influence cell identity. This work could provide insights into how brain function is organized at a cellular level.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of brain function and potentially lead to new treatments for neurological disorders related to olfactory processing.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding neural cell types through genetic analysis, indicating that this approach is promising and builds on established methodologies.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fleischmann, Alexander — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Fleischmann, Alexander
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.