Mapping the brain's serotonin system
Official title: Building a Granular Brain-Wide Map of the Serotonin System
Funded at New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · NIH-11092910 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain chemical called serotonin affects our thoughts and feelings, with the goal of finding better treatments for mental health issues by understanding how serotonin works in the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 21, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $686,579 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH136237-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092910 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who are experiencing neuropsychiatric conditions related to serotonin dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under 21 or those with conditions unrelated to serotonin may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how serotonin, a key brain chemical, influences various cognitive and emotional functions. By creating a detailed map of serotonin pathways in the brain, the project aims to understand how these pathways affect behaviors such as stress response, social interactions, and aggression. Using advanced techniques, researchers will analyze the connections and functions of serotonin-producing neurons, which could lead to more targeted treatments for neuropsychiatric conditions. This work is crucial for developing therapies that address the specific needs of patients rather than using broad-spectrum medications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for mental health conditions by targeting specific serotonin pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in mapping brain systems and targeting neurotransmitter pathways, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Bradley — New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
- Study coordinator: Miller, Bradley
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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.