Articles tagged with Neuroreceptors
Anthony Auerbach, a University at Buffalo biophysicist, has been awarded a $2.7 million Jacob Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award to continue his distinguished research on cell communication and synapses. His focus will be on understanding acetylcholine receptors, proteins that facilitate chemical messages across brain synapses.
A team of researchers has identified a specific binding site for alcohols and anesthetics on brain proteins, which could lead to new pharmacologic interventions for addiction and substance abuse. This breakthrough finding builds upon previous studies suggesting that alcohols interact with specific protein molecules in the brain.
Researchers developed an interactive 3D molecular model of GRK2, a crucial regulator of neurotransmitter and hormone receptors. The model allowed scientists to interact with the molecular structure, facilitating the identification of new lead compounds as inhibitors of GRK2.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have found a cellular communication method in the brain that could lead to improved treatments for schizophrenia and addiction. The study demonstrated how proteins can modify each other's function, including the ability of neurons to accept or reject dopamine and other neurochemicals.
Researchers have identified an enzyme, PKCe, that could be a target for treating alcoholism. Mice genetically engineered to lack the enzyme were less likely to drink and showed increased sensitivity to alcohol and benzodiazepines in the brain.
A new compound, BP 897, has been shown to reduce compulsive drug-seeking behavior in cocaine-dependent rats. This breakthrough could lead to a new treatment for addiction, targeting the root cause of craving and compulsive behavior.
HHMI researchers found a molecule called lynx1 in the brain of mice that is similar to a major component of deadly snake toxins. Lynx1 may be involved in pathways linked to memory and muscle function.
Scientists have found that a marine snail venom extracts can prevent serotonin from acting on a specific receptor in African toad eggs, which is also found in the human brain. This discovery could provide insight into regulating nerve cell behavior and designing new drugs to control serotonin's actions.
Researchers identify neurotransmitter-triggered electrical activity as a key signal for synapse formation in embryonic spinal cord neurons. The activity is necessary for clustering glycine receptors, which are essential for inhibitory neurotransmission in the spinal cord.
Research found an association between genetic variations in the serotonin-2A receptor and response to clozapine, a drug targeting serotonin receptors. Further studies support this hypothesis, suggesting that serotonin receptors play a key role in the therapeutic action of antipsychotic drugs.
Researchers found a significant decrease in kainate binding to receptors in the arcuate nucleus of SIDS infants, leading to faulty communication among nerve cells. This finding may contribute to the development of a screening test for identifying infants at risk or measuring kainate receptor binding for diagnosis.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center found that chronic exposure to nicotine stimulates and permanently inactivates two prominent subtypes of acetylcholine receptors, leading to tolerance. Habitual users become dependent on nicotine through neural reward pathways similar to other addictive drugs.
Researchers have identified a critical nicotinic receptor in the brain that may contribute to the development of epilepsy, Alzheimer
Researchers have discovered how a rare epilepsy mutation works at a molecular level, potentially helping understand other nervous-system disorders. The mutation impairs signaling between nerve cells, leading to seizures in people with autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE).
Researchers at OHSU found that mice without the D4 dopamine receptor exhibit increased locomotor activity when exposed to these substances. The study suggests that the D4 receptor may play a role in modulating drug effects and could be a new target for treating drug abuse.
A Northwestern University study reveals a biochemical connection between alcoholism and nicotine addiction, suggesting that low concentrations of alcohol may interact with the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The researchers propose that this interaction may contribute to the high correlation between alcoholism and smoking.
Petit mal or absence seizures affect 100,000 US children and account for one-fifth of childhood epilepsies. The new findings may lead to more effective treatments, which can have a profound effect on a child's development.