Award
National Institute of Mental Health 5R01MH126017-05
Cellular Mechanisms of Neuroligin-4 Gene in Human Neurons
Recipient
Colorado State University
Award Amount
$367,436.00
Ceiling
$367,436.00
Awarded
January 20, 2026
Identifier
5R01MH126017-05
This NIH grant funds research on the cellular and molecular functions of the human-specific synaptic protein Neuroligin-4 in human neurons, using advanced cellular and biochemical techniques to understand its role in synaptic organization and function.
Description
The project aims to investigate the cellular function and molecular properties of Neuroligin-4 (NLGN4), a human-specific synaptic protein. Using human neuronal subtypes derived from pluripotent stem cells, the study will assess NLGN4’s role at synapses, its interactions with synaptic proteins, and how its amino acid sequence and post-translational modifications influence its function. Techniques include confocal imaging, electrophysiology, biochemical analyses, co-immunoprecipitation, cell aggregation, and proximity-dependent biotinylation.