Understanding how GABA-A receptors work in the brain

Structure and Function of GABA-A receptors

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-10997244

This study is looking at how certain brain receptors work and how they respond to different medications, which could help us find better treatments for anxiety and epilepsy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-10997244 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the structure and function of GABA-A receptors, which are crucial for regulating brain activity and are involved in conditions like anxiety and epilepsy. The team will use advanced techniques to explore how these receptors interact with various drugs, including those used for anxiety and anesthesia. By examining the receptors in both healthy and diseased brain tissue, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that control their activity and how they can be targeted for therapeutic purposes. Patients may benefit from insights gained about new treatment options for anxiety disorders and other related conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals suffering from anxiety disorders or epilepsy.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to GABA-A receptor function may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for anxiety disorders and epilepsy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding receptor structures and their implications for drug development, making this approach promising.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.