Investigating how memantine affects overactive brain receptors in Alzheimer's disease
Ca2+-Dependent Block by Mematine and Selective Inhibition of Overactive NMDA Receptors
This study is looking at how the medication memantine works in the brain to help calm down certain receptors that can cause problems in Alzheimer's disease, with the hope of finding better treatments for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11084697 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how memantine, a medication approved for Alzheimer's disease, interacts with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in the brain. The study aims to explore how memantine can selectively inhibit overactive NMDARs that contribute to excessive calcium influx, which is linked to neurodegenerative disorders. By examining the mechanisms of memantine's action, the research seeks to identify potential new treatments that could improve patient outcomes. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective therapies for Alzheimer's and related conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related neurodegenerative conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of dementia not related to NMDAR dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting NMDARs can be beneficial, but many approaches have faced challenges; this specific mechanism involving memantine is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Jon W. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Jon W.
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.