How glycine calms nerve signals in the lower brainstem
Glycinergic inhibition in the ventral brainstem
This work looks at whether the brain chemical glycine helps keep nerve activity that raises blood sugar under control for people with type 2 diabetes and related metabolic problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11182680 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine nerve cells in the lower (ventral) brainstem that help control the body's 'fight-or-flight' sympathetic signals linked to metabolism. Using lab experiments and live models, they will record nerve activity and test what happens when glycine and GABA signaling is changed. Early results show glycine and GABA can be released together and blocking glycine receptors raises sympathetic nerve activity and affects blood glucose. The team aims to map the inhibitory circuits that could be targeted to better balance energy use and blood sugar.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with type 2 diabetes, obesity, or other conditions linked to excess sympathetic nervous system activity would be the most relevant patient group for these findings.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to sympathetic overactivity or those with insulin-deficient type 1 diabetes may not directly benefit from this line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to reduce harmful sympathetic overactivity and help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Animal and basic neuroscience studies have shown inhibitory neurotransmitters can modify sympathetic activity, but targeting glycine co-release in the ventral brainstem as a therapy is a relatively new and early approach.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Derbenev, Andrei — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Derbenev, Andrei
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.