Serotonin brain cells to reduce opioid-related sleep breathing problems
Official title: Project 4: Serotonergic cell subtypes ameliorate sleep-disordered breathing in the setting of opioids
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11016105 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores whether activating a specific serotonin-producing brain cell type can protect people who take opioids from dangerous breathing problems during sleep.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $382,239 |
| NIH project number | 2P01HL149630-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11016105 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People who take opioid medications and have or are at risk for sleep-disordered breathing or opioid-related respiratory depression would be the most relevant candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People who do not use opioids or whose sleep breathing problems are caused by unrelated conditions are unlikely to benefit from this work.
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a subtype of serotonin-producing neurons in the brainstem that control breathing and upper airway muscle tone to see if they can prevent opioid-caused breathing suppression during sleep. Using laboratory models, the team will map these neurons' connections, identify distinct subtypes, and test targeted ways to activate the ones that resist opioid effects without blocking pain relief. Early animal data show that turning on this neuron group can improve breathing and keep the airway open when opioids would otherwise suppress respiration. The goal is to find targets that could later be developed into treatments to protect sleep breathing for people using opioids.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to therapies that prevent opioid-induced sleep-disordered breathing while preserving pain relief.
How similar studies have gone: Related animal studies have shown promise when activating serotonin neurons, but targeting this specific neuron subtype is a newer, preclinical approach not yet tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vanderhorst, Veronique — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Vanderhorst, Veronique
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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.