How serotonin affects a small brain region linked to mood and motivation
Serotonergic modulation of the circuits and cell-types of the lateral habenula
This project looks at how serotonin controls specific cells in a tiny brain region tied to mood and motivation, aiming to help people with depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11359556 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying serotonin-releasing neurons and their effects on the lateral habenula, a small brain area involved in evaluating outcomes and linked to anhedonia. They will use single-cell RNA sequencing to define cell types, genetic tools to target those cell types, and electrophysiology in animal models to measure burst-firing and synaptic responses. The team will map which serotonin receptors are expressed on each cell type and how serotonin release changes circuit activity after chronic stress. Although the experiments are primarily in animals and cells, the findings are intended to point toward new treatment strategies for mood disorders like depression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with major depression, especially those with persistent loss of pleasure (anhedonia), are the patient group most likely to benefit from these findings, though the project itself is preclinical.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to mood or serotonin signaling (for example, purely peripheral nerve disorders) are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal specific cell types or serotonin receptors to target for new antidepressant strategies that reduce anhedonia.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have linked lateral habenula hyperactivity and burst-firing to depression-like behaviors and support serotonin's broad role in mood, but translating these findings into new human therapies remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wallace, Michael L — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Wallace, Michael L
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.