How Brain Cells Send Messages
Molecular mechanisms of synaptic neurotransmitter release
This project aims to understand the tiny steps involved when brain cells communicate with each other.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11003675 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brain cells communicate by sending messages across tiny gaps called synapses. This project looks closely at how these messages are released from one cell and received by another, focusing on the very quick process where calcium helps release chemical messengers. We want to build a detailed 3D picture of the machinery involved in this communication. By understanding these basic steps, we hope to learn more about how our brains work and what goes wrong in certain conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not involve direct patient participation or recruitment at this stage.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or clinical interventions would not directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this fundamental understanding could shed light on brain disorders where communication between cells is disrupted, potentially leading to new treatment approaches in the future.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific architecture of the fusion machinery is unknown, many studies have contributed to our understanding of synaptic transmission, building a strong foundation for this work.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brunger, Axel T — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Brunger, Axel T
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.