Understanding how important cell signals work in the brain and body
Molecular mechanism of dimeric G protein-coupled receptor signaling
This research aims to understand how two important cell receptors, linked to brain disorders and calcium imbalances, function at a basic level.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11045018 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are exploring how two specific cell receptors, the GABAB receptor and the calcium-sensing (CaS) receptor, become active and how their signals are controlled. The GABAB receptor plays a role in brain and behavior conditions like anxiety and epilepsy, while the CaS receptor helps manage calcium levels in the blood, which is important for conditions like hypercalcemia. By studying the detailed structures of these receptors, we hope to learn how they work together and how other molecules can influence their activity. This foundational knowledge is key to developing new ways to help people with these conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with conditions like spasticity, epilepsy, addiction, anxiety, or calcium homeostatic disorders could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this fundamental research.
Not a fit: Patients without conditions related to GABAB receptor or calcium-sensing receptor function may not directly benefit from this specific basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications or treatments for brain and behavioral disorders, as well as conditions related to calcium imbalances.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds upon existing structural models of parts of these receptors, but aims to address fundamental questions about their full-length function that are currently not fully understood.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fan, Qing R — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Fan, Qing R
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.