Understanding how serotonin affects brain function and behavior
Official title: Deconstructing the sertonin system in the mouse brain
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10656870 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of serotonin neurons in the mouse brain work and connect with other brain areas to help us understand their role in behaviors and conditions like anxiety and depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,164,186 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS131987-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10656870 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, or related mental health disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to serotonin dysfunction or those not experiencing mental health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the organization and function of serotonin neurons in the mouse brain, focusing on how these neurons influence various behaviors and physiological processes. By examining the distinct types of serotonin neurons and their specific connections to different brain regions, the study aims to uncover the complex roles serotonin plays in conditions like anxiety and depression. The approach includes advanced techniques such as single-cell transcriptomic profiling and collateralization mapping to provide a detailed understanding of serotonin's impact on brain function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for anxiety, depression, and other brain disorders by enhancing our understanding of the serotonin system.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the serotonin system, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luo, Liqun — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Luo, Liqun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Multimodal AI to predict CAR-T patient response and guide safer, smarter cell design
A Stanford team is building AI tools that use patient and CAR-T cell data to predict how well a CAR-T therapy will work and what design changes might boost effectiveness and safety for people with cancer.
-
Community-driven model to reduce overdose deaths through smarter resource use
A Stanford-led project uses a data-driven model to help counties pick the best ways to prevent opioid and stimulant overdoses and save lives.
-
Center for Dissemination and Implementation at Stanford: Research Core
A Stanford-based program is advancing how evidence-based addiction treatments are implemented across settings to help people with substance use disorders receive better care.
-
Center for Dissemination and Implementation At Stanford (C-DIAS)
A center-based program at Stanford aims to speed people who need addiction treatments to get evidence-based care.
-
Mitochondrial structure and neuron health in Alzheimer's and ALS
This grant studies how mitochondrial cristae structure in neurons is controlled and how its disruption may contribute to diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS.
-
Pediatric EMS seizures: simpler age-based midazolam dosing
A nationwide trial at EMS agencies tests whether using fixed, age-based dosing of midazolam for seizures in children improves treatment speed and safety.
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.