How serotonin and acetylcholine affect brain circuits involved in cognition
Coordinated modulation of cortical circuits by serotonin and acetylcholine
This study looks at how two brain chemicals, serotonin and acetylcholine, affect the brain's ability to think and remember, using mice to help us understand how these processes work and what might go wrong in mental health conditions, with the hope of finding new treatments for people who struggle with cognitive issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10894912 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how two important neurotransmitters, serotonin and acetylcholine, influence the functioning of brain circuits that are crucial for cognitive tasks. By studying these effects in the mouse prefrontal cortex, the researchers aim to understand the physiological mechanisms that underlie normal cognitive processes and how disruptions in these systems can lead to psychiatric disorders. The approach involves examining the activity of specific types of neurons and their connections, providing insights that could lead to new treatments for cognitive impairments. Patients may benefit from the findings as they could inform the development of therapies targeting cognitive dysfunctions associated with psychiatric conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals experiencing cognitive impairments or psychiatric conditions linked to serotonin and acetylcholine signaling.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments not related to serotonergic or cholinergic dysfunction may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for improving cognitive function in patients with psychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the roles of serotonin and acetylcholine in cognitive processes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Hanover, United States
- Dartmouth College — Hanover, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gulledge, Allan T — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Gulledge, Allan T
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.