Understanding how ions affect glutamate transport in the brain
Official title: Ion coupling, permeation, and regulation in glutamate transporters
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11003751 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain particles in the brain help transport a key chemical called glutamate, which is important for memory and learning, and it aims to understand how this process works in both healthy brains and those with neurological issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $523,047 |
| NIH project number | 5R37NS134865-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003751 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological disorders that involve glutamate dysregulation, such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, or multiple sclerosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to glutamate transport or those who do not have neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of ions in the function of glutamate transporters, which are crucial for neurotransmission in the brain. By examining how these transporters operate under both healthy and diseased conditions, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that regulate glutamate levels, which are vital for cognitive functions like memory and learning. The study employs advanced techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy and single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to analyze the transporters at a molecular level. This comprehensive approach will help identify how ion interactions influence transporter behavior and their implications for neurological disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders linked to glutamate dysregulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neurotransmitter transport mechanisms, indicating that this approach has the potential for significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boudker, Olga — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Boudker, Olga
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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.