How brain chemicals like serotonin and acetylcholine work together in brain circuits
Coordinated modulation of cortical circuits by serotonin and acetylcholine
This work explores how important brain chemicals, serotonin and acetylcholine, coordinate their actions to control brain activity, which is key for understanding thinking and behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127518 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains rely on specialized circuits and chemical messengers like serotonin and acetylcholine to perform daily tasks and complex thinking. When these chemical signals are disrupted, it can lead to problems with cognition and behavior, often seen in psychiatric conditions. This project aims to uncover the exact ways serotonin and acetylcholine influence brain processing. By understanding these fundamental mechanisms, we hope to pave the way for new and better treatments for patients facing psychiatric challenges.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This basic science work does not involve direct patient participation but aims to benefit individuals with psychiatric conditions by advancing our understanding of brain function.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical interventions or direct treatment options would not directly benefit from this foundational laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this foundational knowledge could lead to new therapeutic strategies and improved treatments for various psychiatric diseases linked to imbalances in brain chemistry.
How similar studies have performed: While this specific coordination is being deeply explored, the roles of serotonin and acetylcholine in brain function and psychiatric diseases are well-established areas of ongoing research.
Where this research is happening
Hanover, United States
- Dartmouth College — Hanover, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gulledge, Allan T — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Gulledge, Allan T
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 below.