Investigating brain circuits and behavior using protein interaction modulators
Official title: Probing brain circuit and behavior with protein:protein interaction modulators
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-10992684 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in brain cells affect mental health conditions, and it's trying to create new tools to better understand these issues, which could help develop better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $675,098 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132226-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992684 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with psychiatric disorders that involve circuit dysfunction, such as addiction or mood disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with purely physical health conditions unrelated to psychiatric disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding complex brain disorders, particularly psychiatric diseases, by exploring how protein interactions within brain cells affect neuronal excitability. The team aims to develop novel molecular probes that can help identify the mechanisms behind circuit deficits associated with these disorders. By using advanced techniques like bioluminescence-based high-throughput screening, they will test how these probes can influence brain function and potentially lead to better therapeutic options. Patients may benefit from improved drug designs that target specific brain circuit dysfunctions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for psychiatric disorders by providing insights into brain circuit mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using molecular probes to understand brain function, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Laezza, Fernanda — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Laezza, Fernanda
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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.