How KCTD proteins control brain receptors for GABA and acetylcholine
Mechanisms of Regulation of Neuronal GPCRs by KCTDs
This research looks at whether KCTD proteins change how GABAB and M5 receptors work in the brain, which could matter for people with mood (affective) disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11318906 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use high-resolution imaging (cryo-electron microscopy) to see the shapes of receptor complexes and biochemical tests to map how KCTD proteins bind them. They will measure electrical signals and use fluorescence tools in cells and lab-grown neurons to see how those proteins change signaling over time. Mass spectrometry will be used to find other proteins that hang around the receptors. All work is done in the lab using purified proteins, cell lines, and primary neurons rather than by treating patients directly.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with mood or affective disorders who are interested in future therapies targeting GABAB or muscarinic receptor regulation could be the eventual beneficiaries or candidates for follow-up clinical research.
Not a fit: Patients needing immediate changes in care or acute treatment are unlikely to benefit directly because this is basic laboratory research rather than a clinical trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets for medicines that better stabilize brain receptor signaling in mood disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown KCTD proteins modify GABAB receptor signaling and structural methods have clarified related receptor complexes, but extending this regulation to the M5 muscarinic receptor is a newer, less-tested idea.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levitz, Joshua — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Levitz, Joshua
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.