Investigating how synaptic vesicles transport neurotransmitters in the brain
Official title: Structural and functional investigations on synaptic vesicular transporters
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11045719 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called SV2 helps brain cells communicate and how it might be affected by epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs, with the goal of finding better treatments for neurological conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $471,050 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS133147-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045719 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with epilepsy or other neurological disorders linked to synaptic transporter dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological conditions unrelated to synaptic vesicle transporters may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of synaptic vesicles in neurotransmitter release, which is crucial for communication between neurons in the brain. It aims to explore the function of a specific protein, SV2, that is involved in this process and is linked to conditions like epilepsy. Using advanced techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy and mass spectrometry, the research will investigate how SV2 operates and how antiepileptic drugs affect its function. This could lead to a better understanding of how to treat neurological diseases associated with transporter defects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for epilepsy and other neurological disorders by enhancing our understanding of synaptic function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding synaptic transporters, but this specific investigation into SV2 is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Chia-Hsueh — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Lee, Chia-Hsueh
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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.