Understanding how NMDA receptors work in the brain
Official title: Molecular Physiology of NMDA Receptors
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11080310 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain receptors, called NMDA receptors, affect our thinking and memory, especially as we age, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $561,743 |
| NIH project number | 5R35NS132248-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080310 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with age-related cognitive impairments or neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-age-related cognitive disorders or those without any neuropsychiatric conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of NMDA receptors in brain function, particularly how they contribute to consciousness, cognition, and memory formation. By examining the structural changes in these receptors, the study aims to uncover how they can be targeted for therapeutic interventions in age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The approach combines advanced molecular dynamics simulations with genetic sequencing data to explore the effects of genetic variants on receptor function. This could lead to a better understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders and potential new treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting NMDA receptors for therapeutic purposes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Popescu, Gabriela K — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Popescu, Gabriela K
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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.