Understanding how adrenaline affects brain functions and diseases
Official title: Adrenergic transmission properties and implication
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11054653 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two important chemicals in the brain, norepinephrine and epinephrine, affect our thinking and attention, especially in people with conditions like Alzheimer's, to find new ways to help improve their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $363,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131670-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054653 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other neurological disorders associated with adrenergic transmission dysregulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to adrenergic transmission or those not diagnosed with neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of norepinephrine and epinephrine in cognitive functions such as attention and sensory processing, as well as their impact on various neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. The team has developed advanced sensors to visualize adrenergic transmission in real-time, allowing for a better understanding of how these neurotransmitters function in the brain and other organs. By studying these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for conditions linked to adrenergic dysregulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and improve cognitive function in affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding adrenergic transmission, but this approach with advanced sensors is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beenhakker, Mark — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Beenhakker, Mark
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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.