Investigating the links between inflammation, serotonin, and mitochondria in major depression

Inflammatory, mitochondrial and serotonergic interrelationships in the pathogenesis of major depression

['FUNDING_R01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-10804603

This study is looking at how inflammation, serotonin levels, and energy production in the brain work together in people with major depressive disorder, and it’s for anyone who wants to help us learn more about depression so we can find better treatments.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCOLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10804603 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research explores how inflammation, serotonin regulation, and mitochondrial function interact in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). By using advanced imaging techniques like positron emission tomography (PET) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), the study aims to assess brain activity and health in both depressed individuals and healthy volunteers. The goal is to understand how these three factors contribute to the severity of depression, potentially leading to better-targeted treatments. Participants will undergo brain imaging and blood tests to gather comprehensive data on their condition.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have major depressive disorder or those with other psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from major depression.

How similar studies have performed: While the individual components of this research have been studied, the combined approach of examining inflammation, serotonin, and mitochondrial function together in MDD is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Disease Frequency Surveys

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.