Unusual glutamate signals that may trigger migraine attacks
Noncanonical glutamate signaling in the origins of the migraine attack
This work looks at whether brief bursts of the brain chemical glutamate spark migraine auras and attacks in people who get migraines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11295376 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From the patient's viewpoint, scientists are using advanced lab imaging and animal models to watch tiny, point-like glutamate releases called "plumes" that appear just before the measurable brain event linked to migraine aura. They will test how support cells (astrocytes) and neuronal calcium-driven release contribute to plume formation and whether blocking plumes lowers the chance that the brain wave (spreading depolarization) starts. Experiments include high-resolution two-photon imaging, manipulation of glutamate uptake in astrocytes, and controls of neuronal vesicular calcium release to pinpoint the steps that create plumes. The goal is to trace the chain of events that turns a local glutamate signal into the large-scale brain activity that precedes an attack.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of migraine, especially those who experience aura before their attacks, are the patient group most relevant to these findings.
Not a fit: Patients without migraine or whose headaches arise from unrelated causes are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new biological steps to target that might prevent migraine aura and reduce the likelihood of an ensuing migraine attack.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal work from the team found glutamate plumes precede spreading depolarization and that reducing plumes lowers the chance of inducing that wave, but translating this mechanism toward human treatments is still early.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brennan, Kevin Christopher — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Brennan, Kevin Christopher
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.