How a certain type of brain glutamate receptor is controlled
Mechanisms of Regulation of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors
['FUNDING_R01'] · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · NIH-11316990
The team seeks to understand how metabotropic glutamate receptors — brain proteins that influence memory, mood, and movement — are controlled to help improve treatments for neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11316990 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the researchers will examine how proteins called β-arrestins bind to metabotropic glutamate receptors and change their signaling and movement inside cells. They will use lab-based biophysics, molecular mapping, and cell models to identify binding sites, compare different receptor subtypes, and test how various drug-like molecules alter receptor behavior. This is basic laboratory research aimed at revealing underlying mechanisms rather than offering direct treatments. The work is conducted at Weill Cornell and does not involve enrolling patients or clinical care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not enroll participants, but people with neurological, neurodevelopmental, or psychiatric conditions linked to glutamate receptor dysfunction might be interested in future therapies informed by this work.
Not a fit: Patients needing immediate clinical treatment or those with conditions unrelated to glutamate receptor function are unlikely to benefit directly from this lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could guide development of safer, more effective drugs targeting metabotropic glutamate receptors for conditions such as neurodevelopmental disorders, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and some cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have revealed β-arrestin roles for some GPCRs, but applying these approaches to metabotropic glutamate receptors is relatively novel and aims to extend earlier findings.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LEVITZ, JOSHUA — WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV
- Study coordinator: LEVITZ, JOSHUA
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.