How the body's calcium sensor (CaSR) works in Alzheimer's and calcium disorders
Pleiotropic pathways of extracellular calcium sensing
Researchers are mapping how a key calcium-sensing protein (CaSR) sends signals and how mutations or drugs that change it might matter for people with calcium-balance problems and Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146535 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as someone who might be affected, the team will use high-resolution imaging (cryo-electron microscopy) to see the CaSR protein's shape and how it connects to different signaling partners. They will test natural mutations linked to calcium disorders and Alzheimer’s to see how those changes affect the protein's location on the cell surface and which signaling pathways it turns on. The researchers will also try drugs that boost or reduce CaSR activity to see if they can restore normal signaling. These lab-based tests use cell systems and structural models to point toward treatments that could be tested in people later on.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with known CaSR-related genetic mutations, serious calcium homeostasis disorders, or those interested in Alzheimer's research would be most connected to the goals of this work.
Not a fit: Patients without CaSR-related conditions or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new ways to correct faulty CaSR signaling and guide development of therapies for calcium-related disorders and aspects of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Other work has shown that drugs can target CaSR (for example, calcimimetics) and structural studies of CaSR have progressed, so this builds on prior successes while exploring new signaling details.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fan, Qing R — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Fan, Qing R
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.