How brain cells recycle their neurotransmitter packets
Molecular Interplay of Endocytic Proteins
This project looks at whether changes in a nerve-cell protein let brain cells refill and reuse neurotransmitter packets more effectively, which could matter for people with Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, or Down syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11362515 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a patient, I would hear that researchers are studying two brain proteins, synaptojanin and endophilin, that work together to recycle the tiny packets neurons use to send signals. They will use genetic experiments, biochemical tests, and high-resolution imaging in lab models to see how specific synaptojanin mutations change its interaction with cell membranes. The team plans to compare normal and mutant proteins in cells and animal models to see whether the mutant version can restore recycling when endophilin is missing. The work aims to reveal the molecular steps that keep synapses working so future treatments can target those steps.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients directly, but its findings would be most relevant to people living with Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, or Down syndrome who are interested in research that targets synaptic function.
Not a fit: People with conditions that do not involve synaptic vesicle recycling or neuronal signaling, such as purely vascular or non-neurologic disorders, are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new targets or strategies to improve synaptic function in disorders like Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and Down syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies and genetic screens have identified mutations that restore synaptic function in model systems, but translating these basic findings into patient treatments remains untested.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bai, Jihong — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Bai, Jihong
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.