How serotonin affects brain circuits related to depression
Official title: Serotonergic modulation of the circuits and cell-types of the lateral habenula
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11226951 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells that release serotonin affect mood and decision-making, with the goal of finding better ways to treat depression and improve existing treatments like SSRIs.
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 start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $54,145 |
| NIH project number | 3R01MH133608-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11226951 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing major depression or related mood disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with depression not responsive to serotonin-based treatments or those with other underlying neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of serotonin-releasing neurons in the brain, particularly focusing on the lateral habenula, which is involved in emotional control and decision-making. By examining how serotonin influences different types of neurons and their activity, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind depression and the effectiveness of common treatments like SSRIs. The research employs advanced techniques such as single-cell transcriptome sequencing to identify specific neuron types and their responses to serotonin. This could lead to a better understanding of how to improve depression therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for depression by targeting specific brain circuits and cell types.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding serotonin's role in depression, but this specific approach focusing on the lateral habenula is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wallace, Michael L — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Wallace, Michael L
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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.