Investigating how nerve cells release signals in the awake brain
Official title: Interrogating Dynamic Regulation of Pre-Synaptic Release Probability In Vivo
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11003275 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain chemical called acetylcholine is released in real-time, which helps us understand how our brains communicate and how this might change in conditions like neurological disorders, so it's important for anyone interested in brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $73,828 |
| NIH project number | 5F32NS131266-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003275 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with neurological or psychiatric conditions that affect neurotransmission.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with purely structural brain issues or those not experiencing any neurological or psychiatric symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the release of neurotransmitters, specifically acetylcholine, occurs in living brains. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to explore how the probability of neurotransmitter release varies between different synapses and how this process is influenced by factors such as arousal and neuromodulation. The findings could provide insights into the fundamental mechanisms of brain communication and how these mechanisms may be altered in neurological disorders. This research is particularly relevant for understanding the healthy functioning of the brain and its plasticity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of brain function and potential new treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully utilized similar imaging techniques to study neurotransmitter release, indicating a promising approach for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patel, Paras — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Patel, Paras
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.