How O-GlcNAc affects brain signaling related to anxiety and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: O-GlcNac Modulation of GABAergic Transmission
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10861045 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special chemical change in the brain affects the way signals are sent, especially those that help control anxiety and thinking, to find new ways to understand and treat conditions like Alzheimer's and anxiety disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,264 |
| NIH project number | 5F99NS134163-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10861045 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those experiencing anxiety disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurological conditions or those not experiencing cognitive or anxiety-related symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a specific chemical modification called O-GlcNAc influences the transmission of signals in the brain, particularly focusing on GABAergic transmission, which is crucial for regulating anxiety and cognitive functions. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which O-GlcNAc interacts with other modifications, such as phosphorylation, to affect the strength of inhibitory signals in neurons. By examining these interactions, the research hopes to uncover new insights into the underlying processes of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and potential treatments for anxiety disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating anxiety and Alzheimer's disease by targeting the modulation of brain signaling pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of post-translational modifications in brain signaling, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Phillips, Shekinah — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Phillips, Shekinah
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.