Grant: Operating Grant

In the brain, neurons utilize fast synaptic transmission to communicate with each other. A central component of this intercellular communication are the NMDA type of glutamate receptors, which are also strongly implicated in neuronal death and dysfunction during diseases such as stroke. Much has been learned about how NMDA receptors function. Our work has uncovered a novel pathway utilized by these ubiquitous receptors that is critical for neuronal death and in changing the strength of interneuronal communication. Here we propose to understand the detailed mechanisms of this non-canonical pathway to provide insight into potential new targets for treating brain damage during strokes.