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Grant recipient

Signe Mathiasen

Uncovering the spatiotemporal organization of the adhesion GPCR ADGRL3 and its trans synaptic signaling partners at the single molecule level
Grant amount: DKK 9.997.040

In Denmark, the burden of psychiatric and mental disorders has been predicted to constitute 25% of the public health problems and the consequences of mental illnesses is both highly afflictive to individuals and of great cost to society.

Signe Mathiasen explains: In this project, we study a new and novel receptor target in mental health, the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor latrophilin 3 (ADGRL3), which is implicated in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other psychiatric disorders that involve dopamine dysfunction, such as schizophrenia. Specifically, the goal is to map the dynamic localization of ADGRL3 receptors in the cell membrane and to correlate its movements to interaction partners out-side and in-side the cell. This will enable us to determine how, where and when ADGRL3 function as a signaling unit with its key synaptic interaction partners. Such basic understanding can help uncover the potential of ADGRL3 as a novel drug target for new and improved pharmacotherapies in e.g. ADHD.

Signe Mathiasen moved back to Denmark in 2020, after working as a scientist for six years at Columbia University. She is currently employed at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, where she will establish her independent research group with the NNF Emerging Investigator grant starting 1 April 2024.

Signe Mathiasen
Signe Mathiasen
Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen