Creating new tools to control brain cell activity with light
Official title: Development of photocaged DREADD agonists for high-efficiency, target-specific optical silencing of synaptic transmission
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11013516 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about creating new tools that let scientists use light to control certain brain cells, which could help us better understand how the brain works and influences behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,124,850 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS139872-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013516 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals with neurological conditions that could benefit from targeted neural modulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neural activity or those who do not have access to the necessary technology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative tools that allow scientists to control the activity of specific brain cells using light. By creating 'photo-caged' DREADD agonists, the researchers aim to enable precise silencing of synaptic transmission in targeted areas of the brain. This method involves applying these tools in an inactive form and activating them with light, which allows for high temporal precision in controlling neural activity. The goal is to improve the effectiveness and usability of these tools in neuroscience research, ultimately enhancing our understanding of brain function and behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for neurological disorders by providing better ways to manipulate brain activity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using optogenetic and chemogenetic tools for neural modulation, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Banghart, Matthew R. — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Banghart, Matthew R.
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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.