Understanding how opioids affect breathing and respiratory control.
Utilizing opioid receptor expression to identify the neurons and molecules responsible for opioid respiratory depression and basal breathing.
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-10893017
This study is looking at how opioids can make it hard to breathe, which can be dangerous, and it's for anyone who uses opioids or cares about someone who does, as it aims to find ways to make opioid use safer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10893017 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which opioids cause respiratory depression, a serious side effect that can lead to overdose deaths. The team will focus on specific neurons in the brain responsible for regulating breathing, particularly those expressing the µ-opioid receptor. By studying these neurons, the researchers aim to identify the pathways that opioids use to disrupt normal breathing patterns. This understanding could lead to safer opioid use in clinical settings, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are prescribed opioids for pain management and are at risk of respiratory complications.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use opioids or have no respiratory issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer opioid therapies that minimize the risk of respiratory depression in patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding opioid effects on the brain, but this specific approach to identifying key neurons is novel.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: YACKLE, KEVIN — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: YACKLE, KEVIN
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.