CNNM2 and brain magnesium: how it affects nerve cells and development
Role of CNNM2 in Neuronal Mg2+ Homeostasis, Function and Development
['FUNDING_R21'] · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11260140
This project looks at how the CNNM2 protein controls magnesium inside brain cells to help people with seizures, developmental delays, or related neurological symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11260140 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have seizures, developmental delay, or anxiety that might be linked to low magnesium, this work focuses on a protein called CNNM2 that helps neurons manage magnesium. Researchers will use lab-grown neurons, molecular experiments, and animal models such as zebrafish to see how CNNM2 affects nerve cell development, signaling, and intracellular magnesium levels. They will relate those lab findings to known human CNNM2 mutations that cause Hypomagnesemia, Seizures, and Intellectual Disability (HSMR). The goal is to better understand why magnesium problems lead to neurological symptoms and to point toward ways to fix cellular magnesium balance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with CNNM2-related hypomagnesemia (HSMR), unexplained seizures, intellectual disability, or developmental delays would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose neurological issues are clearly due to causes unrelated to magnesium handling or CNNM2 are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new treatments or strategies to prevent seizures and developmental problems caused by low cellular magnesium.
How similar studies have performed: Genetic and laboratory studies have linked CNNM2 mutations to low magnesium and neurological symptoms, but translating those findings into therapies remains early-stage.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES — Newark, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RUNNELS, LOREN W — RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: RUNNELS, LOREN W
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.
Conditions: CNS Diseases, CNS disorder, Cardiovascular Diseases