Neurosteroid targets for fast-acting antidepressants
Molecular Targets of Neurosteroid Anti-depressant Action
Researchers aim to find the proteins inside brain cells that let neurosteroid drugs act quickly as antidepressants for people with depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158966 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses specially made neurosteroid-like chemicals that can be activated by light to stick to the proteins they bind inside cells. Scientists will capture those tagged proteins and identify them using advanced protein chemistry and mass spectrometry. The work is done in the lab with biochemical techniques and engineered reagents made in a chemistry core. Findings will point to specific intracellular proteins and binding sites that could explain how neurosteroids produce rapid antidepressant effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with depression could potentially benefit from therapies that are developed later based on these findings.
Not a fit: This project is laboratory-focused and will not provide direct treatment or immediate clinical benefit to participants right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could reveal new molecular targets that lead to faster or more effective antidepressant treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies have mapped neurosteroid binding to some proteins like GABAA receptor subunits and VDAC, but identifying additional intracellular targets is a newer extension of that work.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Evers, Alex S. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Evers, Alex S.
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.