Evaluation of small molecules on the excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAAT3) for the treatment of OCD

Emmanuel Zubia Zubia, University of Texas at El Paso

Abstract

We seek to discover new drug candidates for the excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAAT3) for the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We hypothesize that decreasing the glutamatergic transmission via EAAT3 intervention will create an amelioration of the symptoms of OCD. For this we have prepared in-silico binding calculations to identify a better compound that can stimulate EAAT3 and decrease glutamatergic transmission. This research will help us further understand and elucidate the role of glutamate in the neural mechanisms of this illness, which to date remain inconclusive. Those areas of study are significant because, until now, there is no effective medication for patients with OCD. Currently, the first line of medication is the use of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI); however, most of the patients undergoing treatment still experience some of the symptoms.

Subject Area

Chemistry|Biochemistry

Recommended Citation

Zubia, Emmanuel Zubia, "Evaluation of small molecules on the excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAAT3) for the treatment of OCD" (2015). ETD Collection for University of Texas, El Paso. AAI10000781.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI10000781

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