Exploring how snake toxins interact with human nerve receptors
Official title: Identifying the interactions between animal toxins and human nAChRs: the role of snake PLA2 in interacting with nAChR alpha subunits
Funded at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · NIH-11089855 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how snake toxins interact with certain receptors in our bodies that are important for many functions, and it aims to help us learn more about these receptors and how they might be involved in health issues, all while getting students excited about research in health sciences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Edinburg, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $56,108 |
| NIH project number | 3R15NS128563-01S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089855 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to nAChR dysfunction, particularly those affected by Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any neurological disorders or nAChR-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between animal toxins, specifically from snakes, and human nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which play a crucial role in various physiological processes. By studying these interactions, the research aims to understand how these toxins can selectively bind to different nAChR subtypes, potentially revealing new insights into their function and dysfunction in human disorders. The project also focuses on engaging undergraduate students in biomedical research, fostering early interest in health sciences. The findings could lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in nAChR signaling pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating disorders associated with nAChR dysfunction, such as Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using animal toxins to study nAChR interactions, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jia, Ying — University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Study coordinator: Jia, Ying
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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.