Understanding how neurotransmitters change in the adult brain
Determining Fundamental Properties of Neurotransmitter Switching in Adult Mammals
This study is looking at how our brain chemicals, which affect our feelings and actions, can change when we experience different things in our environment, like light or smells, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how our brains adapt as adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11082292 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how neurotransmitters, which are crucial for our emotions, behaviors, and memories, can change in response to environmental stimuli even in adulthood. The researchers will conduct experiments to observe how different sensory experiences, like light or odors, can lead to changes in neurotransmitter identity and receptor specification in the brain. By studying these changes, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind how our brains adapt to the environment and how this affects behavior. This could provide insights into the plasticity of the adult nervous system and its ability to respond to external factors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over the age of 21 who may be experiencing neurological or psychological conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with fixed neurological conditions that do not involve neurotransmitter changes may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating neurological and psychological conditions by enhancing our understanding of brain adaptability.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding neurotransmitter plasticity, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spitzer, Nicholas Canaday — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Spitzer, Nicholas Canaday
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 below.