Molecular architecture and function of synaptic ampa receptor complexes

Active Project Grant Awarded Last action

Award ID
R35GM160303
Recipient
Awarding agency
Obligated
$818,764

Award facts

Assistance listing
93.859 Biomedical Research and Research Training
Completion date 24% complete
Place of performance
San Antonio, TX 78229, USA

Award details come from USAspending.gov.

Description

Abstract
Synaptic transmission is a key process for communication between neuronal cells. Despite numerous advances, our understanding of the molecular details of synaptic transmission remains incomplete. Deciphering the molecular details behind synaptic transmission could potentially lead to the development of strategies for treatment of uncurable neurological disorders. In mammalian brain, communication through neurotransmitter glutamate is the most common. From the several types of receptors that are activated by glutamate, ampars (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4- isoxazolepropionic receptors) stand out because they interact with numerous regulatory proteins that affect ampars function. In the proposed experiments, we aim to uncover mechanistic details of inter-neuronal ampar-mediated communication. We present a set of experiments and advancements that will lead to high-resolution 3D structural views of ampar-based protein complexes with regulatory proteins in their most physiologically relevant conformation. By leveraging state-of-art custom biochemical, analytical, and biophysical approaches, we will obtain the structure of physiologically relevant synaptic ampar complexes with regulatory proteins. Next, we will gain functional insights into how those complexes are responsible for the maintenance of the efficient synaptic transmission. We will validate our findings by a set of biochemical approaches as well as by electrophysiological recordings coupled with in situ cryoelectron tomography (cryo-ET) imaging of the synapses in fresh mouse brain slices. In addition to several technological advancements that are potentially transferable to other transient protein assemblies, our research will exert a major scientific impact on the ampars and synaptic transmission fields. With the stellar team of collaborators, our expertise in the relevant fields, carefully designed strategies, and awareness of potential pitfalls, we are highly confident in the success of our studies aimed at understanding of synaptic transmission mechanisms. Ultimately, we aim to utilize obtained structural information for the future structure-based therapeutics design that will combat pathologies linked to altered synaptic transmission.

Transactions

Action Obligated Date
Amendment $433,125
Original award $385,639

Quick answers

Who received award R35GM160303?

R35GM160303 was awarded to The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio by National Institute of General Medical Sciences (National Institutes of Health) on September 1, 2025.

How much is award R35GM160303 worth?

$818,764 has been obligated on R35GM160303.

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