New treatments to protect brain cells from damage caused by excessive glutamate
Novel presynaptic agents to prevent glutamate-induced neural injury
This study is looking at new ways to protect brain cells from damage caused by too much glutamate, which can happen in conditions like temporal lobe epilepsy, and it hopes to find better treatment options that work well and have fewer side effects for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lsu Health Sciences Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10756170 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing novel presynaptic agents that can prevent neural injury caused by excessive glutamate release, which is a significant factor in conditions like temporal lobe epilepsy. By utilizing a kainic acid model, the research aims to understand the mechanisms of excitotoxicity and how to mitigate its effects on vulnerable neurons in the brain. The approach involves exploring the role of glutamine as a precursor for glutamate synthesis during high synaptic activity, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from improved treatment options that are more effective and have fewer side effects than current therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy or other related central nervous system disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with epilepsy not related to glutamate-induced neural injury may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that better protect brain cells from damage in epilepsy and other CNS disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting glutamate pathways for neuroprotection, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Lsu Health Sciences Center — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Erickson, Jeffrey D — Lsu Health Sciences Center
- Study coordinator: Erickson, Jeffrey D
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.