Understanding how the brain learns and remembers experiences

Circuit dynamics supporting associative learning in the dentate gyrus

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10877969

This study is exploring how a specific part of the brain helps us remember important experiences, which could help us understand memory problems that come with aging.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10877969 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the brain processes and stores experiences, focusing on the dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus. By using advanced neuroscience techniques, the study aims to uncover how neural circuits differentiate between important and unimportant stimuli during learning. The goal is to understand the mechanisms that enable the brain to encode memories accurately, which is crucial for addressing cognitive disorders associated with aging. The research involves manipulating neural circuits and analyzing large datasets to gain insights into memory formation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cognitive decline or memory issues.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments not related to aging may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for age-related cognitive decline and memory impairment.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding memory mechanisms, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.