How GABA and glutamate brain receptors change shape to send signals
Structural Basis of Signal Instigation Through Family C GPCRs
This project looks at how key brain receptor proteins for GABA and glutamate change shape to switch nerve-cell signaling on and off, which could help people with neurological or psychiatric conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11034133 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy to take detailed pictures of two important families of brain receptors (GABAB and metabotropic glutamate receptors) in different states. They focus on how the large external 'venus fly trap' part binds chemicals and closes, and how that closure reorganizes the seven-transmembrane domain to trigger signaling inside cells. By comparing inactive and active structures, scientists aim to map the physical steps that pass the signal across the cell membrane. These molecular maps are intended to guide safer, more precise drug designs for conditions linked to GABA/glutamate imbalance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with disorders linked to GABA or glutamate signaling—such as some forms of epilepsy, anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia—would be most likely to benefit from therapies informed by this research.
Not a fit: People without conditions related to GABA/glutamate signaling or those seeking immediate treatment options are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide the design of more targeted drugs for epilepsy, mood disorders, schizophrenia, and other conditions tied to GABA/glutamate signaling.
How similar studies have performed: Previous structural studies of related GPCRs using cryo-EM have revealed activation steps and informed drug discovery, though turning structural insights into approved treatments takes time.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skiniotis, Georgios — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Skiniotis, Georgios
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.