Tracking how brain chemicals are released in awake animals
Monitoring presynaptic release of neuropeptides in awake behaving animals
This study is looking at how certain brain chemicals called neuropeptides are released in awake mice while they behave normally, to help us learn more about how these chemicals affect things like anxiety, eating, and social interactions, which could improve our understanding of brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Salk Institute for Biological Studies NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10517245 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how neuropeptides, which are important brain chemicals, are released by neurons in awake behaving mice. The team aims to develop a new technique that allows for precise monitoring of these neuropeptides as the animals engage in various behaviors. By observing the release of these chemicals in real-time, the research seeks to uncover their roles in regulating critical brain functions such as anxiety, feeding, and social behavior. This could lead to a better understanding of how disruptions in these processes contribute to neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals suffering from anxiety disorders or anorexia nervosa.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological disorders unrelated to neuropeptide signaling may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the treatment of conditions like anxiety and anorexia nervosa by targeting neuropeptide signaling.
How similar studies have performed: While the study of neuropeptides is established, the specific technique being developed for real-time monitoring in awake animals is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, UNITED STATES
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Sung — Salk Institute for Biological Studies
- Study coordinator: Han, Sung
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.