Understanding how the arrangement of brain receptors affects their function
Official title: Evaluating the functional impact of synaptic nanoarchitecture
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11003716 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tiny positions of brain receptors affect how well our brain cells communicate, which is important for understanding and potentially treating brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $434,945 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH134957-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003716 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with brain disorders that involve synaptic transmission issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurological conditions or those whose brain disorders are unrelated to synaptic function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of nanoscale positioning of neurotransmitter receptors in synaptic function, which is crucial for understanding various brain disorders. The team will develop innovative methods to manipulate and measure the arrangement of these receptors in real-time, allowing them to explore how this positioning impacts synaptic transmission. By examining the relationship between receptor activation and their distance from neurotransmitter release sites, the research aims to uncover new insights into synaptic dysfunction. This could lead to better understanding and potential treatments for brain diseases linked to synaptic issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating brain disorders caused by synaptic dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of manipulating synaptic nanoarchitecture is novel, related research has shown promising results in understanding synaptic function and its implications for brain health.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kennedy, Matthew J — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Kennedy, Matthew J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how alcohol and how couples talk about consent affect intimate partner sexual violence
This project studies how alcohol use and how partners communicate about consent influence intimate partner sexual violence among sexual minority and heterosexual couples.
-
How proteins change and move as heart cells develop
This grant aims to map how protein turnover changes as human iPSCs turn into cardiomyocytes and other cell types, using new labeling and mass-spectrometry methods.
-
Center for Health, Work and Environment
A national center dedicated to improving health in people who work, by studying how jobs affect well-being and safety.
-
Subtyping Core for Research on the Causes of Type 2 Diabetes (SCORE-T2D)
A new U01 grant from a university research team aims to understand why Type 2 diabetes differs so much between people and how to tailor prevention and treatment.
-
Expanded antibody-based clues to TB risk in people with HIV
A clinician-scientist seeks to understand how antibodies in people with HIV may drive the progression from latent TB to active TB, with the goal of identifying clues that could guide future care.
-
Human Trisome Project in Latin America Network
A large, multi-site study of people with Down syndrome across Latin America to better understand health and aging in DS.
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.