Understanding how the brain processes touch sensations
Official title: Local and Long-Range Cortical Circuits Underlying Tactile Perception
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11026788 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the brain understands touch by exploring how different brain circuits work together, using mice as a model, to help us learn more about sensory processing and potentially improve treatments for conditions that affect how we feel touch.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $548,088 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS140230-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11026788 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological conditions that affect their sensory processing abilities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any sensory processing disorders or those not affected by neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain's sensory processing related to touch, focusing on how different brain circuits work together to interpret tactile information. By studying the mouse whisker system, the researchers aim to uncover the connections between neurons and how they contribute to our perception of touch. The project employs advanced techniques like 2-photon microscopy to visualize and analyze the activity of neurons in real-time, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of sensory perception. The findings could help improve our understanding of neurological disorders that affect sensory processing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatments for neurological disorders that impair tactile perception.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using similar methodologies has shown promise in understanding sensory processing, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Jerry L — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Chen, Jerry L
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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.