GRIN2B Foundation is pleased to announce an award of $45,000 to Emory University in its 2020 research grant initiative to promote scientific understanding of the ultra-rare genetic condition known as GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder.
The recipient of GRIN2B Foundation’s 2020 research grant is Dr. Hongjie Yuan, Assistant Professor of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA, and Deputy Director of the Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV) for his research project entitled:
“Rescue Pharmacology and Therapeutic Strategies to Treat Pediatric Neurological Disorders Associated with a Loss-of-function GRIN2B Variant.”
Dr. Yuan and his research team are evaluating the impact of one specific GRIN2B variant (classified as Loss of Function) on NMDA receptor function, synaptic activity and cognitive ability in a mouse model. They will also assess if the addition of substances (e.g. D-serine, D-cycloserine) to the mouse models will lessen the impact of the GRIN2B variant. If shown effective, some of the FDA-approved medications might warrant consideration in pediatric patients with GRIN2B variants. This project also includes the creation of a 2nd GRIN2B knock-in mouse line (classified as Gain of Function) to be studied in future projects.
Read more about Dr. Yuan, his project and our previously funded projects here.
Samuel Kwon, GRIN2B Foundation’s Science Director believes that, “The way that genetic variations in the GRIN2B gene disrupt the nervous system in the developing brain remains poorly understood. Animal models can provide important insight into this issue. Findings from this project will provide a strong framework for stratification of existing GRIN2B variants and potentially lead to discovery of promising drug candidates.”
The GRIN2B Foundation Board of Directors is encouraged by the increased volume of applications received in this 2020 Grant Program. Though we could regrettably choose only 1 project at this time, we are very motivated to continue funding future research grants.
This Grant program is only possible thanks to the efforts, integrity and guidance of the GF Board of Directors, GF Medical Advisory Board & Science Director and our extended network of Scientists and Clinicians who reviewed our pool of grant applications. We are so grateful to everyone for their time and effort spent helping us select this important project.
We would not be able to award these important research grants without our community of patients, families, scientists, clinicians and people like you. Thank you for believing in and powering our mission. Make a donation today and impact vital research as we drive closer to treatments every single day.
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Thank you,
Liz Marfia-Ash, GRIN2B Foundation Board President