Investigating how adenosine and dopamine receptors interact in the brain.
Official title: Measure striatal adenosine-dopamine receptors interactions: from molecule to behaviors
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11034626 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two important brain receptors, which are linked to conditions like psychosis and schizophrenia, work together and affect movement and behavior, using advanced imaging and medication in monkeys to help us better understand these issues in mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 19, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $201,050 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH138923-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034626 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing symptoms of psychosis or schizophrenia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to dopamine or adenosine receptor interactions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the interactions between adenosine 2A receptors and dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, particularly in relation to conditions like psychosis and schizophrenia. Using advanced neuroimaging techniques, the study will assess how these receptors influence each other and how this may relate to abnormal movements and behaviors. By administering specific drugs to nonhuman primates, researchers aim to gather data on receptor binding changes, which could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of dopamine-associated disorders. The findings could help in understanding how these interactions affect mental health and movement disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients with psychosis and schizophrenia by targeting the interactions between these receptors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding receptor interactions in animal models, but this approach in humans remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wey, Hsiao-Ying — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Wey, Hsiao-Ying
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.