Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed an innovative platform for creating genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors capable of 1) assessing the formation of GPCR homo and heterodimers, and 2) determining how dimerization impacts protomer conformation in response to ligands.The UC Davis IPN has developed a suite of ~24 biosensors based on GPCR dimers.Collectively called, dimerLights, these modular biosensors have the ability to identify novel dimeric drug targets and assess the impact of ligands on their conformations.In addition to the ~24 biosensors that UC Davis has already developed, the modular platform in principle can easily be adapted to enable the discovery and evaluation of broader GPCR homo/heterodimers than have been tested so far.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a novel hybrid microbial-derived oxylipin and endocannabinoid-like molecule designed to enhance gut and brain health by improving barrier integrity, reducing inflammation, and providing neuroprotection.

Organoid/brain slice immobilization for microelectrode arrays (MEAs) and organoid-on-chip platforms have traditionally depended on hydrogels, harp-style grids, or microfluidic confinement, each with its own set of pros and cons with respect to stability, standardization, and impact on electrophysiology. Hydrogels (e.g., Polyethylene glycol or PEG, extracellular matrix like Matrigel) are widely used to immobilize 3D neural tissues on MEAs. These are known to swell, drift, and alter mechanical microenvironments, which in turn modulate network firing, synchrony, and bursting behavior. Mechanical retention via harp slice grids or similar harp devices is a long-standing practice in acute brain slice and organoid electrophysiology. These devices are typically standardized, fragile, and poorly matched to diverse well and tissue geometries. ​Microfluidic organoid chips and specialized 3D MEAs (e.g., e-Flower, organoid-on-chip platforms) have recently emerged to enable hydrogel-free trapping/encapsulation of organoids for imaging and recordings, but they often require bespoke chip designs and overly complex flow control setups. There is a lack of geometry-agnostic devices for mechanically immobilizing diverse organoids on commercial MEAs that feature consistent stability, uniform and/or tailored contact, and with minimal perturbation of electrophysiological readouts.

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A novel 3D bioprintable hydrogel platform enables precise spatial delivery of biochemical gradients to engineer in vitro tissue models with area-specific identities.

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Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a system of reusable, sterilizable 3D-printed surgical tools that enables safe, precise intraoperative deployment of Neuropixels probes within standard neurosurgical workflows.

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have expanded the knowledge on the rippled β-sheet, a protein structural motif formed by certain racemic peptides. Rippled β-sheets already show potential for Alzheimer’s research and drug delivery and leads to formation of hydrogels with enhanced properties. Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have further added to the structural foundation of rippled β-sheets, better understanding how rippled β-sheet formation can be controlled at the molecular level.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a therapeutic use of cannabinoids for the treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders (NDDs).

Amyloid-β (Aβ) is a protein that is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. Aβ oligomers aggregate to form amyloid plaques, which are found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. These plaques have high polydispersity; they vary in shape and size. Previously, researchers at UC Santa Cruz demonstrated that using a racemic mixture of Aβ promoted fibril formation, an aggregation that is less neurotoxic than plaques of high polydispersity. Furthermore, these racemic counterparts form rippled β-sheets.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed non-invasive methods for intranasally delivering the drug allopregnanolone.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis and the Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health in Japan have collaborated to develop an enzyme inhibitor that prevents the onset of neurodevelopmental disorders.