How GRIN2B changes affect dopamine and behavior
Impact of Grin2b/GluN2B disruption on dopaminergic function and related behavior
Researchers are looking at whether changes to the GRIN2B gene alter dopamine signaling and behaviors connected to autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11169890 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses genetically engineered mice to remove the GluN2B subunit specifically in dopamine-producing neurons and then watches what happens. Scientists will record how dopamine neurons fire, measure baseline and evoked dopamine release in the brain, and observe changes in behaviors that relate to repetitive actions and motivation. The team will compare these genetic changes to effects seen with drugs that target GluN2B to understand shared mechanisms. Results are intended to point to how GRIN2B-related changes might drive brain and behavior differences seen in autism.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not enroll people, but its findings would be most relevant to people with autism, especially those who have GRIN2B-related genetic changes.
Not a fit: People without autism or without GRIN2B-related genetic variants are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify a brain pathway that points to new treatment approaches for autism-related behaviors.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and pharmacology studies have shown that altering GluN2B can change dopamine neuron activity, but testing genetic GluN2B disruption in dopamine neurons is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Veenstra-Vanderweele, Jeremy — New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
- Study coordinator: Veenstra-Vanderweele, Jeremy
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.