Understanding how VMAT2 works in the brain and its role in addiction and mental health.
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms of VMAT2 Function
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10947390 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a brain protein called VMAT2 to understand how it works and how it interacts with certain drugs, which could help us learn more about conditions like Parkinson's disease, depression, and addiction, ultimately benefiting patients dealing with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $52,800 |
| NIH project number | 1R36DA061055-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947390 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals affected by neuropsychiatric disorders such as Parkinson's disease, depression, or those struggling with amphetamine addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neurotransmitter dysregulation or those not affected by the studied disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), which is crucial for transporting neurotransmitters in the brain. By examining how VMAT2 functions and how it interacts with drugs like amphetamine, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind various neuropsychiatric disorders. Patients may benefit from insights gained about VMAT2's role in conditions such as Parkinson's disease, depression, and addiction. The study employs advanced techniques to analyze VMAT2's structure and function in detail.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders and strategies to combat amphetamine addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neurotransmitter transporters, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dalton, Michael Paul — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Dalton, Michael Paul
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.