How dopamine affects glial (support) cells in the front part of the brain
Dopaminergic Control of Glial Cells in Prefrontal Cortex Functions
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-11184437
This project looks at whether dopamine acting on astrocytes in the prefrontal cortex changes nearby brain cells and behavior, using mouse models that mimic altered dopamine control.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11184437 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use viral tools to reduce the dopamine D2 receptor specifically in astrocytes (brain support cells) in the prefrontal cortex of mice. They will compare normal mice to mice with altered dopamine synthesis and release to see how astrocyte D2 signaling changes neighboring cell activity, microglia numbers, gene expression, and chemical metabolites. The team will measure behavioral changes linked to prefrontal cortex function as well as molecular and cellular readouts from astrocytes and microglia. The goal is to clarify whether astrocyte dopamine signaling contributes to brain changes seen in psychiatric and neurological disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is a preclinical mouse project and does not enroll patients, though its findings may inform future human studies for adults with psychiatric conditions affecting the prefrontal cortex.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment advances should not expect direct benefit because the work is laboratory-based in animals and not a clinical intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new cellular targets (astrocyte dopamine signaling) that might lead to novel treatments for psychiatric disorders involving prefrontal cortex dysfunction.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have reported dopamine receptors on astrocytes and links between glia and brain disorders, but using astrocyte-specific D2 receptor knockdown to tie these receptors to prefrontal behavior is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
IRVINE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE — IRVINE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BORRELLI, EMILIANA — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- Study coordinator: BORRELLI, EMILIANA
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.