Investigating how a protein affects the long-lasting effects of ketamine as an antidepressant.
Official title: Role of Mecp2 in rapidly acting antidepressant action.
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11039989 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called MeCP2 helps ketamine, a quick-acting antidepressant, work longer and better for people with depression, so they might need fewer treatments and experience fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $440,815 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH136569-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039989 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression who may benefit from novel antidepressant strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have depression or those who respond well to existing antidepressant treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of a protein called MeCP2 in how ketamine, a fast-acting antidepressant, can provide sustained relief from depression. The study aims to understand the cellular mechanisms that allow ketamine to not only act quickly but also maintain its effects over time. By examining how ketamine influences MeCP2 and its phosphorylation, researchers hope to identify ways to enhance the duration of its antidepressant action, potentially leading to fewer treatments and reduced side effects for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved antidepressant therapies that require less frequent administration and have fewer adverse effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects, but this specific focus on MeCP2 is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Monteggia, Lisa M — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Monteggia, Lisa M
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.