How psychedelics affect brain cells to help with mental health
Role of cortical GABAergic interneurons in psychedelic drug action
This research explores how psychedelic medicines like psilocybin change specific brain cells in mice, hoping to uncover why they might help people with mental health conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181660 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to understand the brain mechanisms behind the long-lasting benefits of psychedelics for mental illnesses. Researchers are focusing on how psilocybin affects different types of brain cells called GABAergic interneurons in the mouse brain. They will measure how these cells respond to psilocybin and determine if certain serotonin receptors on these cells are key to its effects. Ultimately, this work seeks to discover if manipulating the activity of these brain cells can alter how psilocybin helps with stress-related issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve human patients at this stage, but aims to inform future human treatments.
Not a fit: Patients looking for immediate treatment options or direct clinical trial participation will not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This research could help us understand how psychedelics work in the brain, potentially leading to new and improved treatments for mental health conditions.
How similar studies have performed: While clinical trials show promise for psychedelics in mental health, this specific investigation into how they affect brain cells is a novel area of basic science.
Where this research is happening
Ithaca, United States
- Cornell University — Ithaca, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kwan, Chun-Hay Alex — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Kwan, Chun-Hay Alex
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.