Award
National Institute of Mental Health 5F31MH140553-02
Evaluating a cell type-specific mechanism of glutamatergic synapse function and organization
Recipient
Tufts University Boston
Award Amount
$46,302.00
Ceiling
$46,302.00
Awarded
May 05, 2026
Identifier
5F31MH140553-02
The award supports research on the cell-type specific mechanisms of glutamatergic synapse function in interneurons, focusing on the protein Btbd11 and its role in synaptic stability via phase separation, with implications for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Description
This project investigates how the protein composition of glutamatergic interneuron postsynaptic density (IN-PSD) contributes to interneuron function and pathophysiology. It focuses on the role of the protein Btbd11 in regulating glutamatergic synapses through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and its impact on synaptic composition and function. The research includes molecular biology, proteomic analysis, live cellular imaging, and electrophysiology to test hypotheses about Btbd11's role in synaptic stability and function.