Creating a sensor to measure GABA levels in the brain
Official title: Engineered GABA oxidase for GABA sensing in vivo
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10953239 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new sensor that can track GABA levels in the brain in real-time, which could help people with conditions like Alzheimer's and autism by giving us better insights into how their brains are functioning.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $388,158 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS139078-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10953239 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, autism, or epilepsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without neurological disorders or those not affected by GABA dysregulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a specialized sensor that can measure levels of GABA, an important neurotransmitter, in real-time within the brain. The approach involves engineering a GABA oxidase enzyme that can produce a measurable signal when GABA is present, allowing for precise monitoring of its levels. This technology aims to address the current limitations in tracking GABA dynamics, particularly in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and autism, where GABA regulation is crucial. By implanting this sensor, researchers hope to gain insights into brain function and neurotransmitter balance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of neurological conditions associated with GABA dysregulation.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using enzyme-based sensors is established, the specific application for GABA monitoring in vivo is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Monbouquette, Harold George — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Monbouquette, Harold George
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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.