Understanding how the brain adapts and changes memories
Mechanism underlying cognitive and synaptic flexibility
This study is looking at how our brains learn to adapt and change old memories when we get new information, focusing on a special enzyme called ADCY8, and it hopes to find ways to help people with mental health challenges improve their thinking and memory.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10737625 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind cognitive flexibility, particularly focusing on reversal learning, which is the brain's ability to update old memories in response to new information. It aims to understand how a specific enzyme, ADCY8, influences this process and its implications for mental health disorders. By using genetically modified mice, the study will explore how deficiencies in ADCY8 affect memory and synaptic changes in the brain. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving cognitive flexibility in individuals with mental health issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience cognitive flexibility deficits related to mental health disorders.
Not a fit: Patients without cognitive flexibility issues or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new insights and treatments for improving cognitive flexibility in patients with mental health disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cognitive flexibility and its relation to mental health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
East Lansing, United States
- Michigan State University — East Lansing, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Hongbing — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Hongbing
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.