The Morehouse School of Medicine received a $495,341 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Division of Biological Infrastructure under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074), effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. This award supports research investigating adult hippocampal neurogenesis, specifically examining how G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), particularly GPR37, regulate the maturation of granule cells in the hippocampus. The research aims to identify novel signaling pathways that control late-stage neuronal maturation and emotional processing, with the ultimate goal of advancing understanding of how molecular signals influence brain networks and behavior.
The grant delivers both research outputs and educational services. Research products include scientific data and findings regarding GPCR-mediated neurogenesis regulation that will enhance predictive capacity for understanding how changes in neuronal signaling affect brain function. Educational services include research experiences and assistantships for undergraduate students at Smith College, a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE), and research opportunities for high school students from Springfield Central High School, which has a 90 percent minority enrollment. The award prioritizes creating an inclusive research environment that expands participation in biological sciences among underrepresented groups.