How GABA signaling affects breathing and heart responses to low oxygen levels
Official title: GABA signaling in the nTS and cardiorespiratory responses to hypoxia
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11001492 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain chemical called GABA helps control your body's response to low oxygen levels, which can happen during sleep apnea, to better understand how these changes might affect your breathing and heart function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | January 10, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $621,667 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166183-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001492 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with conditions that affect breathing or cardiovascular responses, particularly those experiencing chronic intermittent hypoxia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience issues related to breathing or cardiovascular regulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, in regulating the brain's response to low oxygen levels, specifically in the nucleus tractus solitarii (nTS). The study aims to understand how chronic intermittent hypoxia alters GABA signaling and contributes to increased excitability in this brain region. By examining the mechanisms of GABA release and receptor activation, the researchers hope to clarify how these changes affect breathing and cardiovascular reflexes. This could lead to insights into how the body maintains balance during hypoxic conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve our understanding of respiratory and cardiovascular responses to low oxygen, potentially leading to better treatments for related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding neurotransmitter signaling can lead to significant advancements in treating respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kline, David Douglas — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Kline, David Douglas
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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.