Using ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier for targeted gene delivery in the brain
Changing the neuromodulation game: ultrasound fenestration of the blood brain barrier for noninvasive viral transfection of primate CNS neurons
This study is exploring a new way to safely deliver genetic material to specific parts of the brain using focused ultrasound, which could help improve treatments for mental health conditions by allowing for more precise and effective gene delivery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orangeburg, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10235811 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a non-invasive method to deliver genetic material to specific brain regions using focused ultrasound. By opening the blood-brain barrier temporarily, researchers aim to introduce designer receptors that can modulate neuronal activity. The approach utilizes lipid microbubbles to enhance the ultrasound's effectiveness, allowing for precise targeting in nonhuman primates. This method could revolutionize how we study and treat various mental health disorders by enabling safer and more effective gene delivery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would be nonhuman primates, specifically rhesus monkeys, used in the study to model human brain conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not involve the central nervous system or those who are not nonhuman primates will not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for mental health disorders by allowing targeted modulation of brain activity without invasive procedures.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using focused ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier in rodent models, but this approach in nonhuman primates is novel.
Where this research is happening
Orangeburg, United States
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res — Orangeburg, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Falchier, Arnaud Y — Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res
- Study coordinator: Falchier, Arnaud Y
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.