University at Buffalo · BiochemistryNMDA Receptor Dynamics Lab
Gabriela K Popescu · Buffalo, New York
Research Focus
Dr. Gabriela K. Popescu's research lab focuses on understanding how NMDA receptors function in the brain. These receptors play a crucial role in controlling communication between nerve cells, which is vital for learning and memory. By delving into the molecular details of how these receptors activate, the lab aims to discover new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, particularly for patients with specific genetic variants.
NMDA receptorscalcium signalingsynaptic physiologyneurodegenerative diseasesmolecular dynamics
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the activation mechanism of NMDA receptors at an atomic level.
AIM 02Identify structural states of NMDA receptors and their interconversions.
AIM 03Examine how disease-related mutations affect receptor dynamics.
AIM 04Develop small-molecule modulators to target specific receptor conformations.
AIM 05Enhance therapeutic strategies for neuropsychiatric disorders associated with NMDA receptor dysfunction.
Skills the Lab Values
molecular dynamics simulationskinetic measurementsthermodynamic measurementsstructural biology techniquesdata analysis in biochemistry
Output against the department
Publications199top 41% of dept.165th of 402
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations3.1kbottom 14% of dept.345th of 402
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.