A "Molecular Switch" in Group 1 mGluR Signaling Relevant to Neurological and Psychiatric Diseases

Abstract (Set) Reported here is the mechanism by which group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) are co-functional with dopamine receptors or growth factor receptors. This convergent signaling is central to understanding several diseases including drug addiction, inflammatory pain, schizophrenia and movement disorders. Several lines of evidence indicate that mGluR signaling is regulated by the balance between Homer (an adaptor protein) and a drugable enzyme. The reported discoveries target a specific enzyme and provide enabling technologies to validate screens of compounds that will have therapeutic actions in neurological and psychiatric diseases. The discovery has been validated in animal models that express mutant mGluR5s that can differentially bind Homer or the enzyme, and that show differential sensitivity to addictive properties of cocaine, inflammatory pain and schizophrenia phenotypes. Description (Set) Proposed Use (Set) The reported discoveries target a specific enzyme and provide enabling technologies to validate screens of compounds that will have therapeutic actions in neurological and psychiatric diseases.

Inventor(s): Worley, Paul F.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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