How serotonin receptors in the brain affect motivation during adolescence.
Adolescence, motivation and the maturation of the prefrontal cortex.
This study is looking at how certain brain receptors related to serotonin might affect motivation during the important teenage years, and it aims to help us understand how problems with serotonin during this time could impact motivation and mental health later in life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10778198 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of 5-HT1A serotonin receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex during adolescence and how their signaling impacts lifelong motivation. By studying both animal models and human behaviors, the research aims to understand how disruptions in serotonin signaling during this critical developmental period can lead to changes in motivation and mental health outcomes. The study employs advanced techniques such as slice physiology and fiber photometry to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential compensatory changes in brain circuits. This research could provide insights into the biological basis of motivation and its implications for mental health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include adolescents aged 12-20 who may be experiencing motivation-related challenges or mental health issues.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 12-20 or those without motivation-related mental health concerns may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating motivation-related mental health disorders in adolescents and adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding serotonin's role in motivation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leonardo, Eduardo David — New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
- Study coordinator: Leonardo, Eduardo David
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.