Understanding NMDA brain receptors and how to target them
Structures and reagents of NMDA receptors
['FUNDING_R01'] · COLD SPRING HARBOR LABORATORY · NIH-11345920
Researchers are mapping the shapes and drug-binding sites of NMDA brain receptors to guide new treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's, depression, and epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLD SPRING HARBOR LABORATORY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLD SPRING HARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11345920 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses high-resolution lab techniques (like X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy) to reveal the 3-D shapes of different NMDA receptor subtypes and the places where drugs can bind. Scientists study separate receptor parts and intact receptors to see how small molecules or proteins interact with them. The goal is to produce subtype-specific reagents that could guide safer, more precise medicines for disorders linked to NMDA dysfunction. The team has already solved structures of several receptor pieces and will expand those maps to inform future drug design.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer’s disease or other conditions tied to NMDA receptor problems (such as certain forms of depression, schizophrenia, or epilepsy) could be future candidates for therapies developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to NMDA receptor dysfunction or driven by non-neuronal processes are unlikely to benefit from NMDA-targeted advances.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable drug designs that precisely target malfunctioning NMDA receptor types, potentially improving symptoms or slowing disease progression in Alzheimer’s and other brain disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Structural biology has previously guided successful drug development and earlier NMDA subunit structures have informed research, although truly subtype-specific NMDA therapies remain an active and evolving area.
Where this research is happening
COLD SPRING HARBOR, UNITED STATES
- COLD SPRING HARBOR LABORATORY — COLD SPRING HARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FURUKAWA, HIROYASU — COLD SPRING HARBOR LABORATORY
- Study coordinator: FURUKAWA, HIROYASU
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease