How chemical tags on the Arc protein control removal of memory-related receptors
Phosphorylation-mediated regulation of Arc interactions with the AMPA receptor endocytic machinery
Researchers will look at how small chemical changes on a brain protein called Arc change the removal of memory-related AMPA receptors, which is relevant to Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11305985 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses lab experiments to see how adding or removing phosphate tags on Arc changes its interaction with proteins that pull AMPA receptors into nerve cells. Scientists will use cells and animal models, biochemical tests, microscopy, and genetic changes to watch how these interactions affect receptor removal and synaptic strength. Some work will connect these molecular findings to Alzheimer’s-related brain tissue or models to make the link to memory loss clearer. This is basic lab research focused on mechanisms rather than testing treatments in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment interested in contributing tissue samples or learning about related future clinical studies would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment effects should not expect direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new molecular targets to prevent synapse loss and guide future therapies for memory problems in Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown Arc helps remove AMPA receptors and influences memory-related synaptic changes, but phosphorylation-based regulation of these interactions is relatively new and not yet translated to therapies.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cobb, Melanie H. — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Cobb, Melanie H.
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.