Investigating how specific receptors influence brain development and mental health conditions.
Official title: BAI Adhesion-GPCRs: Key Regulators of Synapse Development and Plasticity in Health and Disease
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11164721 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special proteins in the brain that help with connections between brain cells, which are important for thinking and feeling, to see how they might be linked to conditions like autism, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, with the hope of finding new ways to improve treatments for these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $610,811 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH137505-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11164721 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, or other related neuropsychiatric conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neuropsychiatric disorders not related to synapse development may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (A-GPCRs) in the development of synapses in the brain, which are crucial for cognition and emotion. By studying how these receptors function and their involvement in neuropsychiatric disorders like autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets. The methodology includes examining the molecular mechanisms of A-GPCRs and their signaling pathways, which could lead to new insights into brain health and disease. Patients may benefit from advancements in treatment options based on the findings of this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating neuropsychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar receptors for therapeutic interventions in neuropsychiatric disorders, indicating a potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tolias, Kimberly R — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Tolias, Kimberly R
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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.