Understanding how dopamine is released in the brain
Official title: Mechanisms for somatodendritic dopamine release in the midbrain
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11000335 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain cells release dopamine, a chemical that helps control many important functions, to better understand its role in brain health and issues like drug addiction, which could lead to new treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $581,175 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA056109-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000335 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by conditions related to dopamine signaling, such as substance use disorders or other neurological diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to dopamine signaling or those not experiencing neurological issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the release of dopamine from neurons in the midbrain, which is crucial for brain function and response to drugs. The team aims to uncover how dopamine is released from the cell body and dendrites, focusing on the specialized machinery that allows for rapid and precise signaling. By studying the proteins involved in this process, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of dopamine's role in brain development and disorders related to substance abuse. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how dopamine signaling can be targeted for therapeutic purposes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for brain disorders related to dopamine dysfunction, such as addiction and other neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neurotransmitter release mechanisms, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaeser, Pascal Simon — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Kaeser, Pascal Simon
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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.