Understanding how a specific brain transporter works and how it can be inhibited

Transport Cycle and Inhibition of Human Na+-dicarboxylate Cotransporter NaDC3

NIH-funded research New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11004704

This study is looking at a special transporter in the brain that helps move important molecules, and it's hoping to find ways to improve treatments for conditions like Canavan disease, which can be affected when this transporter doesn't work properly.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York University School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11004704 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the Na+-driven dicarboxylate transporter NaDC3, which is crucial for transporting important molecules in the brain and other tissues. The project aims to explore how this transporter works, including its structure and the mechanisms by which it can be inhibited. By studying the transport cycle and the conformational changes of NaDC3, researchers hope to uncover insights that could lead to new treatments for conditions like Canavan disease, which is linked to dysfunction in this transporter. Patients may benefit from potential therapies that target this transporter to alleviate symptoms of related disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Canavan disease or other central nervous system disorders related to NaDC3 dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to NaDC3 or those who do not have central nervous system disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with Canavan disease and other related conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar transport mechanisms, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Aspartoacylase Deficiency Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.