Understanding how brain receptors are delivered to synapses
Official title: Investigating the synaptic trafficking of endogenous AMPARs
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10995322 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain receptors that help with learning and memory get to the right spots in the brain, which could help us understand and find new treatments for conditions like autism and epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 27, 2022 |
| Project end | November 26, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,082 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS130979-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995322 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or related brain disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to synaptic dysfunction or those without a diagnosis of autism or similar disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the delivery of AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) to synapses in the brain, which are crucial for learning and memory. By developing a new toolkit to label and control the trafficking of these receptors, the research aims to uncover how they are transported to specific synapses under normal conditions and during synaptic changes. This could provide insights into the synaptic dysfunctions observed in conditions like autism and epilepsy, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for brain disorders associated with synaptic dysfunction, such as autism and epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding synaptic mechanisms, but this approach using endogenous AMPARs is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kareemo, Dean — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Kareemo, Dean
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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.