How the mGluR2 brain receptor may cause long-term problems after blast-related mild TBI
Official title: The role of metabotropic mGluR2 receptors in the chronic cognitive and behavioral effects of blast exposure
Funded at James J Peters VA Medical Center · NIH-11306016 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether changes in a brain receptor called mGluR2 help explain long-lasting thinking, memory, and emotional problems after blast-related mild traumatic brain injury in veterans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | James J Peters VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003846-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11306016 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People most relevant are veterans with a history of blast-related mild TBI who have ongoing cognitive problems, mood symptoms, or PTSD and who might later be eligible for related trials or tissue-donation efforts.
✕Less likely to help
Those without a history of blast exposure, whose symptoms are purely non-neurological, or with very recent (acute) injuries are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
What this research studies
Researchers use a rat model that mimics blast-related mild TBI and follow the animals for many months to see delayed and progressive thinking and PTSD-like behaviors. They measure levels of the mGluR2 receptor in brain tissue and isolated vascular fractions and test whether blocking that receptor can reverse the behavioral problems in animals. The team also examines human post-mortem brain tissue for similar mGluR2 changes to connect the animal findings to people. The goal is to link receptor changes to chronic symptoms so treatments targeting mGluR2 can be considered.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to mGluR2 as a drug target to reduce long-term cognitive and PTSD-related symptoms after blast mTBI.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal work has shown that blocking group II mGluR receptors can reverse many blast-related behavioral traits, but translating these findings to human treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
James J Peters VA Medical Center
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elder, Gregory a. — James J Peters VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Elder, Gregory a.
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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.