This Project Grant award from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) under the Mental Health Research Grants program (CFDA 93.242) focuses on developing a novel neuropeptide Y (NPY)-sensitive microelectrode to detect endogenous NPY release. The $659,217 award to the University of Puerto Rico will support the research team's efforts to enhance detection of NPY using their previously developed NPY biosensor. The aim is to optimize the analytical signal to improve sensitivity and selectivity at a temporal resolution of 500 data points per second, enabling real-time monitoring of endogenous NPY release in brain slices and single cells. This innovative tool is expected to advance understanding of the biological role of NPY and its effects on neurological function. Planned comparative analyses and testing on NPY-releasing cell lines will further improve the biosensor's performance. The researchers also intend to use the NPY biosensor to detect endogenous NPY release in acute hippocampal slices, comparing release patterns across different stimulation methods and mouse models. This project represents a significant advancement in neuropeptide measurement capabilities that could ultimately benefit research on mental health disorders.
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