Brainstem cells that control breathing and waking in sleep apnea and opioid-related breathing problems
Project 1: Role of parabrachial neurons in response to hypoxia, hypercapnia, and OIRD
This project looks for drug targets in specific brainstem cells that could help people with obstructive sleep apnea or opioid-caused breathing problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11016103 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are mapping specific cells in the parabrachial and Kölliker-Fuse regions of the brainstem that control breathing and the urge to wake during low oxygen or high carbon dioxide. They will use single-nucleus RNA sequencing to find marker genes and potential receptors, and live two-photon calcium imaging in animals to watch hundreds of neurons respond to brief low-oxygen or high-carbon-dioxide events and to morphine. The brains will then be analyzed with spatial methods (EASI-FISH) and pharmacology to identify druggable pathways and targets. Although done in animal and laboratory models, the goal is to point to pathways that could be translated into treatments for obstructive sleep apnea and opioid-induced respiratory depression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with obstructive sleep apnea or those taking opioids who are at risk of breathing suppression would be the most relevant groups for future clinical trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Because this is preclinical laboratory research using animal models, individuals seeking immediate treatment or those with conditions unrelated to breathing are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets to prevent dangerous breathing pauses in sleep apnea or during opioid overdose.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown that PBel-CGRP and FoxP2-expressing brainstem neurons influence waking and breathing, but translating those findings into human therapies remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saper, Clifford B — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Saper, Clifford B
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.