# Development of chemical biology tools for NMDA receptors

> **NIH NIH R01** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $403,361

## Abstract

Project Description
This proposal has two specific aims unified by a common theme: the development of click chemistry
probes to study the modulation of NMDA receptors (NMDARs), important targets for neuropsychiatric
disease, by two structurally and mechanistically distinct classes of endogenous steroids. Nothing is known
about how either class of steroids is trafficked or compartmentalized in neurons, even though
compartmentalization can affect the ability of steroids to reach NMDA receptors and may aid identification of
transport proteins involved in trafficking or other novel targets. Additionally, while some structure-activity
studies have been interpreted to imply the existence of specific steroid binding sites for steroids on NMDA
receptors, direct proof of direct binding is lacking. The novels probes developed in this proposal will address
these two fundamental mechanistic questions. These NMDAR probes are significant because NMDA
receptors, key receptors for the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, are of interest for medical reasons, i.e.:
1) NMDA receptor inhibition is a potential treatment for clinical depression and other neuropsychiatric
disorders, and 2) modest increases in NMDA activation enhance memory and learning. Additionally, the click
chemistry tools developed in the proposal will be of widespread use to scientists exploring the physiology and
pharmacology of steroid modulators of NMDA receptors.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9825558
- **Project number:** 5R01MH110550-04
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** DOUGLAS F COVEY
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $403,361
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-02-01 → 2021-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9825558

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9825558, Development of chemical biology tools for NMDA receptors (5R01MH110550-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9825558. Licensed CC0.

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