New drugs that target the GABAA α5 receptor to improve memory and thinking in schizophrenia
A preclinical therapeutic platform to develop GABAA alpha5 receptor positive allosteric modulators to improve cognitive function in schizophrenia
Developing compounds that boost a specific brain receptor (GABAA α5) to help people with schizophrenia improve memory and other thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145807 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project works in the lab to create and test drug-like molecules that positively modulate the GABAA α5 receptor, a protein common in the hippocampus that helps control brain excitation. Researchers will use cell-based tests and animal models to measure how selectively these compounds act on the α5 subunit and whether they restore the balance between excitation and inhibition in hippocampal circuits. The team will evaluate potency, selectivity, and effects on memory-related behaviors in preclinical models and optimize lead candidates for possible future clinical testing. At this stage the work is preclinical and does not involve giving these drugs to people, but it focuses on a mechanism tied to cognitive problems in schizophrenia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with schizophrenia who have noticeable memory or thinking difficulties, particularly those thought to involve hippocampal overactivity, would be the most likely candidates for future trials stemming from this work.
Not a fit: People whose cognitive problems are caused primarily by medication side effects, other psychiatric or neurological disorders, or unrelated medical conditions may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these drugs could improve memory and other cognitive abilities that current schizophrenia treatments do not effectively treat.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical animal and cellular studies of GABAA α5 modulation have shown promise for improving memory by restoring inhibitory signaling, but human clinical evidence remains limited.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koh, Ming Teng — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Koh, Ming Teng
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.