Understanding how the brain learns complex behaviors
Official title: A dendritic nexus in the circuits that coordinate learning
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11061787 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells change and help us learn new skills, focusing on a part of the cells that might help them process information better, and it aims to understand how these changes can improve our ability to learn complex behaviors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $337,677 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS127902-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061787 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing cognitive disorders or those interested in understanding the mechanisms of learning and behavior.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable cognitive function and no learning difficulties may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain's neural circuits adapt during the learning of complex behaviors. It focuses on the role of apical dendrites in cortical neurons, which may help integrate feedback from various sources to improve learning outcomes. By using advanced optical techniques, the researchers will monitor and manipulate the activity of these dendrites to understand their contribution to synaptic changes. This could provide insights into how the brain optimizes behavior through neural connectivity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing learning and behavior in individuals with cognitive disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding neural mechanisms of learning, but this specific approach focusing on apical dendrites is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kerlin, Aaron Michael — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Kerlin, Aaron Michael
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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.