Understanding how brain cells called astrocytes process signals from neurotransmitters.
Official title: Astrocytes as the integrators of neuromodulator signals
Funded at New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · NIH-10918814 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special brain cells called astrocytes help process signals from different brain chemicals, which could help us understand their role in stress, aging, and brain diseases, making it easier to learn about brain health and communication.
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 | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,490,348 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH140020-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918814 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing neurological or psychiatric conditions, particularly those related to aging or stress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to central nervous system function or those who are not experiencing any neurological or psychiatric symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in integrating signals from various neurotransmitters that influence brain function. By employing advanced imaging techniques and spatial transcriptomics, the team aims to uncover how these cells contribute to neural circuit functions, particularly in the context of stress, aging, and central nervous system diseases. The study will explore the receptors on astrocytes that respond to key neurotransmitters like serotonin and acetylcholine, which could reveal new insights into brain communication and health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders by targeting astrocyte functions.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of astrocytes in brain function is an emerging field, previous studies have shown promising results in understanding their involvement in neural signaling, suggesting 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: Dranovsky, Alex — New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
- Study coordinator: Dranovsky, Alex
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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.