Developing brain-penetrant medicines that target the MAS1 receptor
In Vivo Probes of Mas1 Receptor
Creating new small molecules that act on the brain MAS1 receptor to help people with PTSD and anxiety-related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Triangle Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249657 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project makes and improves small, drug-like molecules designed to activate the MAS1 receptor in the brain, a protein linked to fear and anxiety. Researchers screened a large compound library, identified promising pyrazole-based leads, and are modifying those molecules to boost brain exposure and stability. Most testing is done in the lab and in animal models to see whether the compounds change anxious or aversive behaviors. If a compound shows good safety and effect in preclinical work, it would be moved toward human testing in future clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with PTSD or other severe anxiety-related conditions could be candidates for future clinical trials of MAS1-targeting drugs.
Not a fit: People without anxiety or neuropsychiatric conditions, or whose symptoms are driven by unrelated causes, are unlikely to benefit from this line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce a new type of medication that reduces excessive fear and anxiety in PTSD and related disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Genetic and animal studies suggest MAS1 influences anxiety-like behavior, but truly brain-penetrant, high-quality MAS1 activators are novel and have not yet been proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
Research Triangle Park, United States
- Research Triangle Institute — Research Triangle Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maitra, Rangan — Research Triangle Institute
- Study coordinator: Maitra, Rangan
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.