Understanding how glutamate metabolism affects major depressive disorder
Official title: Integrating 1H MRS with 2H-Labeled Glucose to Characterize Dynamic Glutamate Metabolism in Major Depressive Disorder
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10795901 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain chemical called glutamate works in people with depression, hoping to find better ways to treat it with faster-acting medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $201,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH130817-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10795901 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have major depressive disorder or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of glutamate, a key neurotransmitter, in major depressive disorder (MDD) by using advanced imaging techniques. It aims to clarify the dynamic metabolism of glutamate and its related compounds in the brain, which could lead to better-targeted antidepressant therapies. By employing deuterium-labeled glucose and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the study seeks to identify specific metabolic pathways that may be disrupted in individuals with MDD. This approach could enhance our understanding of how fast-acting antidepressants work and improve treatment options for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for major depressive disorder by targeting specific metabolic pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using metabolic imaging techniques to study neurotransmitter cycles, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Yan — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Li, Yan
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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.