Developing advanced tools for controlling brain signaling with light
Official title: Next Generation Opto-GPCRs for Neuromodulatory Control
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11010741 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new tools to help scientists use light to control brain signals, which could lead to better treatments for brain disorders and help us understand how the brain works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,055,762 |
| NIH project number | 5U01NS128537-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010741 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with neurological or psychiatric conditions that affect brain signaling.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neuromodulatory signaling or those not experiencing neurological issues may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control biological systems, particularly in the brain. The project aims to create new tools called Opto-GPCRs that will allow for precise control of neuromodulator signaling in living animals. By combining neuroscience with structural biology and pharmacology, the researchers will develop and test these innovative tools to better understand and manipulate brain functions. Patients may benefit from advancements in treatments for brain disorders through improved understanding of neural circuits and signaling pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for brain disorders by providing better tools for understanding and manipulating brain signaling.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in optogenetics has shown significant success in manipulating neural circuits, indicating that this approach has the potential for impactful advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bruchas, Michael R. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Bruchas, Michael 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.