Identification of small molecules that improve trafficking of NLGN4X/Y for autism

National Center For Advancing Translational Sciences

Investigators

Abstract

This collaborative team aims to build on previous research by uncovering novel modulators of NLGN4X/Y trafficking to the cell surface. NLGN4X/Y is a protein that is implicated in autism. The Early Translation Branch's (ETB) overall goal is to uncover new small molecule therapeutics and catalyze the process of therapeutic development through a model of collaborative research. With each collaboration, NIH and extramural disease experts work with the ETBs drug discovery teams, who provide access to small molecule screening, medicinal chemistry and informatics expertise. During this period, the team has developed a strategy for a cell-based high-throughput screen of NLGN4X/Y trafficking and generated cell lines to perform the screen.