INNOVATION:  Researchers at UCLA have pinpointed neuronal receptor subunits that may prove to be potential therapeutics to the aforementioned disorders. Animal trials utilizing mouse models of catamenial epilepsy and PMDD demonstrated that the up-regulation of these proteins attenuated seizure susceptibility and decreased levels of anxiety. Inhibitory neuronal signals are specifically strengthened in areas with higher subunit concentration with no overall increase in spontaneous inhibitory currents, supporting the study's findings and helping to explain the protein's beneficial physiological properties. The regulation of the target protein's expression and/or modulation of mechanisms that inhibit the target protein's expression are novel methods to treat both diseases. Furthermore, the study showed that subunit-specific agonists effectively increased latency to seizures and decreased the percent time of seizing.

ADVANTAGES & APPLICATIONS:  This study is the first to focus on the molecular mechanisms of the stated menstrual cycle disorders, and provides attractive targets for future diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2004-670

PCT Application: PCT/US05/26170