The role of glutamate co-release in 5-HT neurons

The exact role that co-released glutamate plays in antidepressant effects and depression vulnerability is difficult to find out because many other neurons in the brain also release glutamate. The current proposal aims to address this problem utilising a novel mouse model in which a deficiency in glutamate release is genetically targeted to 5-HT neurons (made using Divisional pump-priming funds). This mouse will be investigated using a combination of behavioural, molecular and electrophysiological techniques, the latter involving optogenetic approaches and in vivo high density recordings.

Ultimately the project aims to establish the function of glutamate released from 5-HT neurons, and specifically its role in antidepressant effects (and depression vulnerability if time permits). The work will also facilitate the identification of a biomarker of co-released glutamate that could be translated to experimental medicine studies in humans.