SUMMARY
The research of Hojin Shin, Ph.D., focuses on advancing neurochemical recording techniques to measure neurotransmitters in the brain, with a particular emphasis on serotonin. Dr. Shin's work aims to uncover the mechanisms underlying the development of various diseases and their treatments. This includes movement disorders, psychological conditions, and substance use disorders.
By integrating neurotransmitter recordings as biomarkers with various physiological measurements, Dr. Shin seeks to deepen the understanding of brain function and improve therapeutic strategies.
Focus areas
- Advanced electrochemical techniques for neurochemical measurements. Dr. Shin has been developing and validating a neurochemical recording and data analysis method that allows accurate, continuous, and real-time quantification of neurotransmitters, especially serotonin, in the brain.
- Advanced electrochemical techniques in animal models of neuropsychiatric conditions. Dr. Shin measures discrete and rapid changes in serotonin concentrations in the mammalian brain. This provides an unprecedented advancement in neuroscience and a means to understand and treat neuropsychiatric conditions and substance use disorders.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Shin's research advances neurochemical recording techniques to measure neurotransmitters such as serotonin. This research also uncovers mechanisms behind movement disorders, psychological conditions, and substance use disorders.
By integrating neurotransmitter recordings as biomarkers with various physiological measurements during deep brain stimulation, Dr. Shin aims to optimize deep brain stimulation therapies. Doing so will improve diagnoses and personalize treatments. These advancements could enhance care and outcomes for patients with neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Professional highlights
- Joint NIDA-NIAAA Early Career Investigator Showcase (ECIS) Award, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 2023.