How Serotonin Affects Our Brain's Perception
CRCNS: A mechanistic theory of serotonergic modulation of cortical processing
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF OREGON · NIH-11110396
This project explores how a brain chemical called serotonin changes how we see and understand the world, especially in conditions like schizophrenia.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF OREGON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (EUGENE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11110396 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our brains combine what we see with our own thoughts and feelings to create our perception of the world. Sometimes, this balance can be disrupted, leading to altered ways of seeing things. This research looks at how a specific brain receptor, the serotonin-2A receptor, is involved in these changes, which are seen in conditions like schizophrenia and with certain medications. We are using computer models and experiments to understand the exact brain circuits affected by serotonin. The goal is to figure out how serotonin influences how our brains process visual information and connect different brain areas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future clinical applications could benefit individuals with affective disorders or schizophrenia.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of how serotonin affects perception, potentially guiding new treatments for conditions like schizophrenia and affective disorders.
How similar studies have performed: This project aims to reconcile seemingly contradictory experimental findings with a new theoretical framework, building upon existing but fragmented knowledge.
Where this research is happening
EUGENE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF OREGON — EUGENE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MAZZUCATO, LUCA — UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
- Study coordinator: MAZZUCATO, LUCA
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.
Conditions: Affective Disorders