Investigating a new drug that targets a specific serotonin receptor linked to various behaviors and conditions.
Official title: Discovery of a High Affinity, Selective and β-arrestin Biased 5-HT7R Agonist
Funded at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ · NIH-11057613 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to activate a specific brain receptor that helps with mood, thinking, and addiction, aiming to find better treatments for conditions like autism, sleep problems, and substance abuse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $148,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM145581-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057613 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 who struggle with conditions related to mood, cognition, or substance abuse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to the 5-HT7 receptor or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the 5-hydroxytryptamine 7 receptor (5-HT7R), which is involved in many important functions such as mood regulation, cognitive abilities, and addictive behaviors. The project aims to develop and test new compounds that selectively activate this receptor, potentially leading to better treatments for conditions like autism spectrum disorders, sleep issues, and substance abuse. By creating biased ligands that target specific signaling pathways, the research seeks to clarify the receptor's role in these conditions and improve therapeutic outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for psychiatric disorders and substance abuse, improving the quality of life for many patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting the 5-HT7 receptor, but this specific approach using biased ligands is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ
Tallahassee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ablordeppey, Seth Y — Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ
- Study coordinator: Ablordeppey, Seth Y
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.