Drug Discovery

Neuroprotection

Glutamate Receptor Drugs for Alzheimer’s Disease

Investigator(s): Alan Faden, MD

Institution(s): Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC

Duration: 2001 - 2002

Summary:

Glutamate (a brain chemical) plays an important role in brain function. Glutamate receptors are responsible for regulating brain glutamate activity. Glutamate receptors may either protect brain cells or damage them. Dr. Faden has been studying the role of a class of glutamate receptors called “metabotropic” receptors and has found that two glutamate receptors called “MGluR1” and “MGluR5” in a sub-class of these metabotropic receptors have interesting effects. Specifically, he has found that MGluR5 is a “good” receptor protecting the brain and MGluR1 is a “bad” receptor that mediates damage. Dr. Faden has discovered two new drugs; a MGluR5-agonist that activates the “good” receptor and a MGluR1-blocker that prevents the “bad” receptor from causing damage. With this grant Dr. Faden will evaluate effect of the MGluR5-agonist and MGluR1-blocker in cell models of Alzheimer disease pathology.