Investigating how certain brain cells respond to psychedelic drugs.
Role of cortical GABAergic interneurons in psychedelic drug action
This study is looking at how certain brain cells might affect how psychedelic drugs like psilocybin work, especially in helping people with depression, by testing these ideas in mice to see how the brain changes and responds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10941139 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the role of GABAergic interneurons in the brain and how they may influence the effects of psychedelic drugs like psilocybin, which have shown promise in treating mental health conditions such as depression. By studying these specific brain cells in mice, researchers aim to understand how they respond to psilocybin and whether they play a role in promoting neural plasticity and behavioral changes. The study involves advanced techniques like cell type-specific electrophysiology to measure brain activity and the effects of serotonin receptors on these interneurons.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from mental health conditions, particularly those who may benefit from psychedelic-assisted therapies.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have mental health conditions or those who are not responsive to psychedelic treatments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for mental health disorders by enhancing our understanding of how psychedelics work in the brain.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results with psychedelics in treating mental health issues, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Ithaca, United States
- Cornell University — Ithaca, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kwan, Chun-Hay Alex — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Kwan, Chun-Hay Alex
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.