Investigating how memantine blocks overactive brain receptors linked to Alzheimer's disease
Ca2+-Dependent Block by Mematine and Selective Inhibition of Overactive NMDA Receptors
This study is looking at how the drug memantine helps people with Alzheimer's by blocking certain brain receptors that can become too active and cause problems, with the goal of finding new treatments that work better and have fewer side effects.
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-10868552 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how memantine, a drug used to treat Alzheimer's disease, works by blocking certain brain receptors known as N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). These receptors are crucial for brain signaling but can become overactive, leading to harmful calcium influx that contributes to neurodegenerative diseases. The study aims to develop new drugs that can effectively inhibit these overactive receptors while minimizing side effects. By using advanced computational modeling, the researchers will explore the mechanisms of memantine and its potential to improve treatment outcomes for patients with 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 more effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting NMDARs for therapeutic purposes, but this specific approach using 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.