Understanding how nicotinic receptors work and how toxins affect them
Structural basis of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gating and toxin inhibition
This study is looking at special proteins in the brain that help with quick communication between nerve cells, and it aims to understand how they work and how they can be affected by things like changes in genes or harmful substances, which could help improve treatments for issues like addiction and mental health conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11000783 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the structure and function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which play a crucial role in fast neurotransmission in the brain and nervous system. By using advanced techniques like single particle cryo-electron microscopy, the researchers aim to uncover high-resolution structures of these receptors and explore how they are affected by various factors, including mutations and toxins. This knowledge could lead to better treatments for conditions such as addiction, neurodegenerative disorders, and mental illnesses. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how these receptors operate and how they can be targeted therapeutically.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from addiction, neurodegenerative disorders, or related mental health conditions.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have any of the targeted conditions or disorders related to nicotinic receptors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for addiction and neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding receptor mechanisms, but this specific approach using high-resolution structural analysis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hibbs, Ryan E — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Hibbs, Ryan E
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.