How the alpha2delta protein helps control brain cell signals
Alpha2delta-mediated control of neuronal signaling
This project looks at how the alpha2delta protein controls calcium signals in brain cells that can affect seizures and brain activity in people with autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290299 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use lab experiments on nerve cells and animal models to see how alpha2delta proteins position calcium channels and couple them to nearby signaling partners. They will measure electrical activity, calcium signals, and related molecular changes using electrophysiology and imaging tools. The team aims to link those cellular changes to processes that control firing rates and retrograde signaling that can influence seizure risk and neural communication. Results will help explain how disruptions in this coupling could contribute to autism-related brain differences.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autistic disorder, especially those who also experience seizures or signs of altered neuronal excitability, would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Individuals without autism or seizure-related conditions, or anyone seeking an immediate clinical treatment, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for therapies that reduce seizures or improve neural signaling in people with autism.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked calcium channel subunits (including alpha2delta) to epilepsy and response to drugs like gabapentin, but the precise mechanisms addressed here are still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schnell, Eric — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Schnell, Eric
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.