# Peptidergic Modulation of NMDA-Receptor Mediated Neurotransmission

> **NIH NIH R01** · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · 2022 · $458,025

## Abstract

Synapses control information processing by the nervous system, and dysfunction of synapses is associated
with many neurological diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. In all nervous systems, glutamate is the
primary excitatory neurotransmitter used to activate neurons. The goals of this study are to provide important,
new mechanistic insights into the function of glutamatergic synapses, which will aid in our understanding of
information processing by the brain and provide new avenues for the development of pharmaceutical therapies
for nervous system disorders. Using a genetic platform based on the nervous system of the model organism C.
elegans, we will study how peptide ligands, which signal via G-protein coupled receptors, regulate synaptic
function mediated by NMDA-type ionotropic glutamate receptors (NMDARs). Synaptic NMDARs are involved in
the pathophysiology of numerous psychiatric and neurological disorders. We propose an integrated
multidisciplinary approach that combines in vivo electrophysiological analysis, behavioral studies and
optogenetic to study the mechanism of action by which specific neuropeptides regulate NMDAR-mediated
synaptic signaling. These studies have particular promise for a deeper understanding of nervous system
plasticity, and behaviors such as learning and memory. Our studies will reveal new targets for the development
of new drugs and novel therapeutic strategies for disorders of nervous system function.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10443850
- **Project number:** 5R01NS123735-02
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- **Principal Investigator:** Andres Villu Maricq
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $458,025
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-07-15 → 2026-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10443850

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10443850, Peptidergic Modulation of NMDA-Receptor Mediated Neurotransmission (5R01NS123735-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10443850. Licensed CC0.

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