Understanding how the brain distinguishes between similar memories.
Official title: Behavioral pattern separation: orchestration by lateral entorhinal cortex-hippocampal circuitry
Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-11082389 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains tell similar memories apart and how stress might affect this ability, which could help find new ways to treat memory problems in people with PTSD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $601,308 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH129970-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082389 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who experience cognitive difficulties, particularly those related to stress or memory disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cognitive impairments unrelated to stress or memory discrimination may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain processes and distinguishes between similar memories, a function known as behavioral pattern separation. It focuses on the lateral entorhinal cortex and its connections to the hippocampus, which are believed to play a crucial role in this memory process. The study examines how stress affects this ability and aims to identify the underlying brain circuitry involved. By understanding these mechanisms, the research hopes to pave the way for new treatments for conditions like PTSD that impair memory discrimination.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving memory function in individuals affected by stress-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding memory processes and their alterations due to stress, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eisch, Amelia J — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Eisch, Amelia J
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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.