Creating advanced sensors to detect opioids in the brain
High-throughput engineering of ligand-selective fluorescent biosensors for detecting endogenous and exogenous opioids
This study is working on new tools that can help scientists see how certain brain chemicals related to opioids change over time, which could help us understand stress, memory, and learning better, especially for people dealing with neurological issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10635413 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative fluorescent biosensors that can accurately monitor the dynamics of opioid neuropeptides in the brain. By utilizing genetically-encoded sensors, the project aims to achieve high spatial and temporal resolution in detecting these neuropeptides, which are crucial for understanding behaviors related to stress, memory, and learning. The researchers will screen thousands of sensor variants quickly to identify the most effective ones for in vivo monitoring in animal models. This approach could lead to significant advancements in our understanding of opioid function and its implications for various neurological conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to opioid use or those affected by neurological disorders influenced by neuropeptide modulation.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have any neurological conditions or opioid-related issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of opioid dynamics in the brain, potentially leading to better treatments for opioid-related disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using genetically-encoded sensors for monitoring neuropeptides, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berndt, Andre — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Berndt, Andre
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.