How serotonin affects brain development and behavior
Official title: Impact of developmental serotonin on prefrontal cortex parvalbumin interneuron excitability and cognitive behavior
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11071345 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how serotonin affects the growth of important brain cells in the prefrontal cortex during key development stages, helping us understand how early serotonin levels might influence thinking and behavior later in life, which could lead to better treatments for cognitive issues in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31MH138134-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071345 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 21 years old who may be experiencing cognitive or behavioral challenges, particularly those related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
✕Less likely to help
Patients over 21 years old or those without cognitive or behavioral challenges may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how serotonin influences the development of specific brain cells in the prefrontal cortex during critical growth periods. By examining the activity of parvalbumin interneurons, which are essential for cognitive flexibility, the study aims to understand how early serotonin levels can impact behavior and cognitive function later in life. The approach includes analyzing the effects of serotonin on these brain cells during specific developmental stages, which may reveal important insights into psychiatric disorders linked to cognitive impairments. Patients may benefit from understanding how early interventions could potentially improve cognitive outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating cognitive impairments associated with psychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the role of serotonin in brain development can lead to significant advancements in treating cognitive disorders, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anqueira, Amanda — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Anqueira, Amanda
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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.