Understanding and controlling brain signaling in living animals
Official title: Sensing and manipulating neuromodulatory signaling in vivo
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10650681 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how certain brain chemicals affect how our brains work and how we behave, using special tools to watch and change these processes in real-time in living animals, which could help us find new ways to treat brain-related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,565,783 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1MH130784-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10650681 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders that may be linked to neuromodulatory dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neuromodulation or those who do not have neuropsychiatric disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on how certain brain chemicals, known as neuromodulators, influence brain function and behavior. By developing advanced tools to monitor and manipulate these signaling pathways in real-time within living animals, the study aims to uncover the specific effects of neuromodulators on neuronal activity and behavior. The approach involves creating genetically encoded sensors that can track these signaling events at the level of individual neurons, which could lead to a better understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders. This research could ultimately help in identifying new therapeutic targets for conditions related to neuromodulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for neuropsychiatric diseases by improving our understanding of brain signaling mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using genetically encoded sensors for studying neuromodulation, but this specific approach is novel and aims to enhance in vivo applications.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhong, Haining — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Zhong, Haining
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.