How ketamine affects brain mechanisms related to depression treatment
Official title: Epitranscriptomic mechanisms of the antidepressant response to ketamine in human neurons
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11023077 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how ketamine, a fast-acting treatment for depression, works in the brain to help people who haven't found relief with other medications, focusing on a special protein that helps brain cells grow.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | March 22, 2023 |
| Project end | April 21, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DA059435-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11023077 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with major depressive disorder who have not responded to at least two traditional antidepressants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are currently responding well to traditional antidepressant therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how ketamine, an anesthetic that can quickly alleviate symptoms of depression, influences brain mechanisms at the molecular level. It focuses on the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for neuronal growth, and how ketamine may promote its production more rapidly than traditional antidepressants. By examining the epitranscriptomic changes in human neurons, the study aims to uncover the underlying processes that make ketamine effective for patients who do not respond to conventional treatments. This could lead to better-targeted therapies for depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and faster-acting treatments for patients suffering from depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with ketamine as a rapid treatment for depression, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Siciliano, Benjamin — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Siciliano, Benjamin
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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.