Molecular bridges that help nerve cells connect
Synaptic Organizers: Dynamic Regulation of Trans-synaptic Bridges
Researchers are studying how neurexin proteins build and control tiny bridges between brain cells to better understand autism, schizophrenia, and intellectual disability.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238948 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on neurexin-family proteins and their partners to learn how trans-synaptic bridges form and change over time. The team uses biochemical experiments, 3-D structural methods, cell-based assays, and animal models to see which molecules boost or suppress these connections. By linking molecular changes in these bridges to altered synapse function, the researchers aim to explain how those changes contribute to autism, schizophrenia, and intellectual disability.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, or intellectual disability, or family members willing to provide biological samples, would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Individuals without neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric conditions are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal molecular targets for new therapies that restore or normalize synaptic connections in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies have linked neurexin and partner defects to these disorders, but translating these molecular insights into treatments remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Galveston, United States
- University of Texas Med Br Galveston — Galveston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rudenko, Gabrielle — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Rudenko, Gabrielle
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.