Proteins that control a brain receptor linked to attention and seizures
Regulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor activity by protein/protein interactions
This work learns how certain proteins hold a brain receptor in place to control nerve signaling in conditions like ADHD, seizures, and autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238962 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how two proteins, mGlu7 and Elfn1, interact at synapses to control release of the brain chemicals glutamate and GABA. They will use animal models (including mice with specific gene deletions), brain tissue studies, and cellular experiments to see how these interactions affect nerve-cell communication in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Past findings show mutations in these proteins are linked to ADHD and seizures in people, so the team will also connect molecular changes to behavioral outcomes like attention, movement, and seizure susceptibility in models. The goal is to pinpoint how miswiring at these synapses contributes to symptoms and to identify molecular targets that could guide future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with ADHD, seizure disorders, or related neurodevelopmental conditions—and especially those known to have mutations in GRM7 or ELFN1—would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose problems stem from unrelated causes or who do not have involvement of these specific proteins are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new targets to correct synaptic signaling and lead to treatments that improve attention, reduce seizures, or help related neurodevelopmental symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown mGlu7 and Elfn1 affect synapse function and related behaviors, but translating these findings into human treatments remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Niswender, Colleen M — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Niswender, Colleen M
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.