How different serotonin (5-HT) brain cells develop
Gene regulatory mechanisms controlling development of serotonin neuron subtypes
This project looks at how different kinds of serotonin-making brain cells form and change, which matters for people with autism, depression, and other brain conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168982 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team aims to map the different molecular types of serotonin (5-HT) neurons and how they develop over time. They will use high-resolution single-cell RNA sequencing and single-cell ATAC sequencing to read gene activity and regulatory signals in individual neurons. The work will chart where and when specific 5-HT subtypes appear and identify the genetic switches that guide their development. Understanding these developmental paths could help explain how disruptions lead to conditions like autism, anxiety, and depression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with conditions tied to serotonin signaling—such as autism spectrum disorder, major depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, or schizophrenia—or adults willing to donate biological samples would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to serotonin biology or who need immediate treatment are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal specific cell types and molecular steps that go wrong in disorders linked to serotonin, pointing to new targets for diagnostics or therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Single-cell RNA and ATAC sequencing have successfully mapped other brain cell populations, but applying these methods to define developmental trajectories of serotonin neuron subtypes is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deneris, Evan S — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Deneris, Evan S
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.