# MicroRNA-Dependent Regulation of Olfactory Memory Formation in Drosophila

> **NIH NIH P01** · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · 2020 · $251,219

## Abstract

Project 3 Project Leader: Davis, Ronald L.
Project Summary / Abstract
The goal of this research is to identify the microRNA genes in Drosophila that mediate the process of learning
and memory. We will continue a large genetic screen, surveying the importance of hundreds of microRNA
genes, for their participation in short-, intermediate-, and long-term memory. These efforts will identify the
subset of microRNA genes that have a functional involvement in memory formation, and perhaps in different
temporal phases of olfactory memory. We will also study in great detail two microRNA genes that we have
already discovered to improve memory when the microRNA gene function is impaired. Because impairing the
gene improves memory, the normal function of the unimpaired genes must be as “memory suppressor” genes.
There are few genes known that can improve memory, so our research holds great promise for potentially
identifying therapeutic targets for memory disorders. Our research studies are embedded in a large,
collaborative project with other investigators who are studying microRNA genes for roles in sleep, locomotor
activity, and synapse structure and function. The combined results will provide a broad understanding of how
microRNAs underlie behavior through their functions in the central nervous system.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9910462
- **Project number:** 5P01NS090994-05
- **Recipient organization:** HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
- **Principal Investigator:** Ronald L Davis
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $251,219
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9910462

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9910462, MicroRNA-Dependent Regulation of Olfactory Memory Formation in Drosophila (5P01NS090994-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-14 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9910462. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*