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Transforming the understanding
and treatment of mental illnesses.

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Signal Transduction Program

The Signal Transduction Program seeks to promote discovery of basic cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic transmission, signal integration, and plasticity at the level of synapses and neurons with the goal of fueling research on the causes of mental disorders. Areas supported by this program include:

  • Fundamental mechanisms of synaptic transmission, modulation of neuronal excitability, and associated cascades.
  • Mechanisms contributing to short- and long-term changes in signaling at and beyond synapses.
  • Signal transduction pathways, trafficking, neurotransmitters, second messenger systems, ion channels, molecular compartmentalization and targeting, protein-protein interactions, synthetic and degradative pathways, extracellular interactions, and cytoskeletal functions.
  • Development of scalable molecular and cellular assays of synaptic and cellular function.

This program seeks to support a broad spectrum of investigator-initiated projects in vivo and in vitro on basic mechanisms pertaining to CNS signaling.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to align projects according to the NIMH Strategic Plan (see Funding Strategy), along with NIMH guidance on the use of model organisms for mental health-relevant research (NOT-MH-19-053 ), biological investigations of genes associated with disease risk (NOT-MH-18-035 ), and enhancing the reliability of NIMH-supported research through rigorous study design and reporting (NOT-MH-14-004 ).

Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their proposals with the institute contact listed below prior to the submission of their applications to ascertain that their proposed work is aligned with NIMH funding priorities.

Contact

Jamie Driscoll, B.A.
Program Chief
6001 Executive Boulevard
301-443-5288, jdrisco1@mail.nih.gov