Exploring natural compounds from Aristotelia chilensis for their effects on brain receptors
Official title: Aristotelia Alkaloids as Probes for the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11066414 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how natural compounds from the Aristotelia chilensis plant might help block specific brain receptors linked to certain nervous system disorders, with the hope of finding safer and more targeted treatment options for people dealing with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 16, 2024 |
| Project end | May 15, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AT012713-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066414 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from conditions related to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor dysfunction, such as certain neurodegenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have central nervous system disorders or those who are not responsive to receptor-targeted therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of alkaloids derived from the plant Aristotelia chilensis to selectively block certain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain, which are linked to various central nervous system disorders. The study aims to extract these alkaloids using a specialized technique and assess their unique properties as antagonists that may offer better selectivity and fewer side effects compared to existing treatments. By focusing on the α3β4 subtype of nAChRs, the research seeks to uncover new therapeutic options for conditions influenced by these receptors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective and safer treatments for central nervous system disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research on the specific alkaloids from Aristotelia chilensis, the approach of targeting subtype-selective nAChR antagonists has shown promise in other studies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rusali, Lisa Eliana — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Rusali, Lisa Eliana
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.