Understanding how dopamine affects thinking and perception
Official title: The Neural Basis of Dopamine-Driven Deficits in Cognition and Perception
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11132444 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in a brain chemical called dopamine affect thinking and perception, especially in conditions like schizophrenia, to help us understand these issues better and find new ways to treat them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $774,632 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH136998-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11132444 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neuropsychiatric disorders that involve dopamine dysfunction, such as schizophrenia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without neuropsychiatric disorders or those whose conditions are unrelated to dopamine signaling may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in dopamine signaling impact brain circuits related to cognition and perception, particularly in neuropsychiatric diseases like schizophrenia. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to observe the activity of specific neurons in the brain that are influenced by dopamine. The researchers will also employ genetic methods to selectively activate dopamine neurons, allowing them to explore how these changes affect memory and perception in experimental models. The ultimate goal is to enhance our understanding of dopamine-related disorders and develop potential therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for cognitive and perceptual deficits in patients with neuropsychiatric conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding dopamine's role in cognition and perception, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parker, Jones G — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Parker, Jones G
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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.