Understanding how certain proteins affect nerve signaling and behavior
Signaling Pathways that Modulate Neuronal Activity
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the nervous system affect behavior by using tiny worms as a model, and it hopes to help us understand more about how these processes might relate to brain conditions in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11140913 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) in modulating signals in the nervous system, particularly focusing on how these proteins influence behavior in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. By studying mutants of the GRK-2 protein, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that regulate exploratory behavior and how specific pathways interact to affect neuronal signaling. The approach includes genetic manipulation and behavioral assays to observe changes in movement and response to stimuli, providing insights into the underlying biological processes. This work could have implications for understanding neurological and psychiatric conditions in humans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological or psychiatric conditions that may be influenced by similar signaling pathways as those studied in the research.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to neuronal signaling or those who do not exhibit behavioral symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders by identifying key signaling pathways that can be targeted for therapeutic intervention.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding similar signaling pathways in various organisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bai, Jihong — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Bai, Jihong
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.