Project Details
Visualization of serotonin dynamics
Applicant
Professorin Dr. Olivia Andrea Masseck
Subject Area
Experimental Models for the Understanding of Nervous System Diseases
Cognitive, Systems and Behavioural Neurobiology
Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
Molecular and Cellular Neurology and Neuropathology
Cognitive, Systems and Behavioural Neurobiology
Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
Molecular and Cellular Neurology and Neuropathology
Term
since 2018
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 408367170
Worldwide the number of mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression are on the rise. One common feature of these diseases seems to be an imbalance of serotonin levels. Though so far technical and methodological limitations made it impossible to elucidate the function of 5-HT brain levels and 5-HT signaling pathways in more detail. To overcome these limitations, we developed different genetically encoded serotonin sensors to visualize with high temporal and spatial resolution. New red-shifted variantes will be developed and combined with already existing 5-HT sensors to investigate in which way the serotonergic neuromodulation is involved in major depressive disorders. A detailed understanding neuromodulatory circuitries and their action on activity patterns in more detail will pave the way to novel therapeutic approaches in major depressive disorders.
DFG Programme
Research Grants