How tiny synapse structures affect brain cell communication
Evaluating the functional impact of synaptic nanoarchitecture
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · NIH-11250135
This work looks at whether the exact tiny positions of receptors at synapses change how nerve cells send signals, which relates to many brain disorders caused by synapse problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11250135 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From your point of view, the researchers are developing new lab tools that can quickly and reversibly shift where receptors and scaffold proteins sit inside a single synapse and then measure how signaling changes in real time. They will also use molecular sensors to measure glutamate levels inside tiny synaptic domains and link receptor activation to distance from release sites. Most work will be done in neurons and brain tissue using advanced imaging and molecular manipulation techniques rather than by treating patients directly. The goal is to connect nanoscale structure to function so future therapies can target the right parts of the synapse.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by brain disorders tied to synapse dysfunction (for example some forms of epilepsy, autism-related synaptic disorders, or neurodegenerative diseases) are the types of patients who could ultimately benefit, although this project appears lab-based rather than recruiting patients.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate therapy or those whose conditions are caused by non-synaptic issues (for example large-vessel stroke or purely metabolic problems) are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic-lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to correct synapse organization and lead to treatments that improve symptoms in disorders caused by synaptic dysfunction.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked receptor clustering and alignment to synaptic strength with advanced imaging, but the planned rapid, reversible manipulation of nanoscale organization and direct nanodomain glutamate measurement is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER — Aurora, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KENNEDY, MATTHEW J — UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- Study coordinator: KENNEDY, MATTHEW J
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.
Conditions: Brain Diseases, Brain Disorders