Depression
New approach to developing antidepressants
CRISPR technology helps target mood-boosting receptors in brain
Led by Steven Mennerick, PhD, Taylor Family Institute scientific director, researchers are testing how neurosteroid drugs bind to GABA receptors on such neurons, with the goal of developing better antidepressants. One such neurosteroid drug, brexanolone, is being considered for FDA approval as a treatment for postpartum depression.
Sun MY, Shu HJ, Benz AM, Bracamontes J, Akk G, Zorumski CF, Steinbach JH, Mennerick S. Chemogenetic isolation reveals synaptic contribution of delta GABA receptors in mouse dentate granule neurons. The Journal of Neuroscience, Aug. 3, 2018.