Investigating how immune cells in the brain affect dopamine signaling.
Official title: Microglia-neuron dopamine signaling - a novel mechanism of dopamine circuit modulation
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10908295 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special immune cells in the brain, called microglia, affect the way dopamine works, which is important for conditions like ADHD and substance use disorders, to help us understand how these cells might influence brain activity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $47,374 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DA059266-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908295 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals under 21 years old diagnosed with ADHD or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are over 21 years old or do not have ADHD or related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of microglia, the immune cells in the brain, in regulating dopamine signaling, particularly through the dopamine receptor DRD1. By examining how these cells respond to changes in dopamine levels, the study aims to uncover their influence on neuronal activity and excitability. Using transgenic mouse models, the research will trace the development of microglial DRD1 expression and its implications for conditions like ADHD and substance use disorders. The findings could provide insights into the complex interactions between immune function and neurotransmitter systems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing ADHD and related disorders by targeting the mechanisms of dopamine regulation.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on microglial DRD1 expression is novel, there is a growing body of literature supporting the role of microglia in neurotransmitter regulation, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hays, Emma — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Hays, Emma
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.