Non-invasive control of calcium signaling in brain cells
Official title: Genetically-Encoded, Non-Invasive and Wireless Modulation of Calcium Dynamics in Astrocytes With Spatiotemporal Precision and Depth
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11030840 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to safely and easily influence brain cells called astrocytes, which help neurons communicate, to better understand how they work and possibly find new treatments for brain-related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $659,907 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129888-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030840 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neuropsychiatric or neurodegenerative conditions that may be linked to astrocytic dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to astrocytic function or those who do not have neuropsychiatric or neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel technique to non-invasively and wirelessly modulate the activity of astrocytes, which are crucial brain cells involved in neuronal communication. By utilizing a method called FeRIC, the researchers aim to control calcium signaling in these cells with high precision, which could enhance our understanding of their role in brain function and behavior. The approach combines radiofrequency waves with genetically encoded actuators to manipulate astrocytic activity in real-time, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for conditions related to dysfunctional astrocyte activity, such as neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific FeRIC technique is novel, previous research has shown promise in manipulating astrocytic function, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Chunlei — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Liu, Chunlei
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.