Understanding fast glutamate receptors in the brain
Structure and Function of Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors
['FUNDING_R37'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11141886
This project maps how fast-acting glutamate receptors (AMPA and kainate) are assembled and work, to help people with Alzheimer's, epilepsy, and other brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11141886 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are creating detailed 3D pictures of two kinds of fast glutamate receptors that help brain cells communicate. They will use biophysical and structural laboratory techniques to study receptor assemblies common in the human brain and to observe how drugs or blockers bind to them. Much of the work uses purified proteins and lab models, with a focus on the mixed (heterotetrameric) receptors that prior studies rarely captured. The aim is to reveal mechanistic details that could guide design of better medicines for memory loss, seizures, and mood problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autism spectrum disorders, or mood and bipolar disorders are most relevant to this research and to potential future therapies it could support.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments or those with conditions unrelated to glutamate receptor dysfunction are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable structure-guided drug design leading to safer, more effective treatments for Alzheimer's, epilepsy, and related neurological or psychiatric conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous structural studies have resolved some AMPA and kainate receptor forms (mostly homotetramers), and this project builds on that progress by targeting the more common heterotetrameric assemblies and drug-binding mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SOBOLEVSKY, ALEXANDER — COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: SOBOLEVSKY, ALEXANDER
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.
Conditions: Affective Disorders, Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease