Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Artist Statement
Amino acids are pivotal to our health and it’s no surprise that dysregulation of these essential biomolecules are associated with various disorders. We propose that manipulation of a certain amino acid, D-serine, has potential to treat learning and memory disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and schizophrenia. These disorders are associated with aberrant activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and D-serine is important in their regulation. In order to further investigate the potential of D-serine as a therapeutic target, we have developed and patented (US patent 20130065935) a compound that acts to regulate levels of D-serine. This compound could prove to be a novel therapeutic target to treat neuropsychological disorders.
Mentor Name
Mike Kavanaugh
ASCTs could prove to be a useful therapeutic target for neuropsychological disorders
Amino acids are pivotal to our health and it’s no surprise that dysregulation of these essential biomolecules are associated with various disorders. We propose that manipulation of a certain amino acid, D-serine, has potential to treat learning and memory disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and schizophrenia. These disorders are associated with aberrant activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and D-serine is important in their regulation. In order to further investigate the potential of D-serine as a therapeutic target, we have developed and patented (US patent 20130065935) a compound that acts to regulate levels of D-serine. This compound could prove to be a novel therapeutic target to treat neuropsychological disorders.