How a protein (NRAP-1) controls NMDA receptors and brain signaling
Regulation of NMDAR-Mediated Synaptic Signaling
Researchers are examining how a protein called NRAP-1 changes NMDA receptor function, which may matter for people with memory, learning, or psychiatric conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252318 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at NMDA receptors, which help brain cells communicate and are important for learning and memory, and at NRAP-1, a protein the team found that alters those receptors. The team uses the worm C. elegans and vertebrate receptor systems in laboratory experiments to trace how NRAP-1 affects receptor structure and signaling. They have already determined the crystal structure of NRAP-1 and will combine structural biology, genetics, and cell-based assays to understand how NRAP-1 changes receptor behavior. The goal is to reveal mechanisms that could guide future ways to adjust NMDA receptor activity in brain disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with conditions thought to involve NMDA receptor dysfunction—such as certain memory disorders, some epilepsies, or some psychiatric illnesses—might be candidates for follow-up research or future therapies based on these findings.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical benefits or those with conditions unrelated to NMDA receptor signaling are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new molecular targets for treatments to improve cognitive symptoms or mood disorders linked to NMDA receptor dysfunction.
How similar studies have performed: NMDA receptor research has produced important insights and some clinical advances, but targeting auxiliary proteins like NRAP-1 is a newer, largely experimental approach.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maricq, Andres Villu — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Maricq, Andres Villu
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.