# BIOCHEMICAL AND GENETIC ASPECTS OF MENTAL RETARDATION

> **NIH NIH P01** · EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER CTR MTL RETARDATN · 1994 · $654,938

## Abstract

This program brings together different scientific disciplines to further
elucidate biochemical and generic aspects of processes that relate to
mental retardation.  The goals of the proposed program stem directly from
the previous program project grant with increased focus on the role of
glycoconjugates in neural development.  This program consists of four
closely related and integrated projects.  Collectively, these projects
address the central postulate that specific, developmentally regulated
carbohydrate structures, interacting with cell surface or extracellular
receptors, are involved in cellular differentiation and growth regulation
during nervous system development.  Project 1 will define, in detailed
chemical terms, a general class of glycoconjugates, complex neutral
glycosphingolipids, that are developmentally regulated and appear in
fetal brain and in brain with alpha-fucosidase and beta-galactosidase
deficiencies.  Glycosyltransferases that are involved in the synthesis
and expression of glycolipids will also be studied.  Project 2 will test
the role of glycoconjugates binding proteins that participate in the
action of these glycoconjugate structures will also be characterized.
Project 3 involves glycosyltransferases that participate in the synthesis
of neolactoseries glycolipids in the CNS and investigation of factors
that regulate these glycolipids in CNS and peripheral nerve.  Cell
surface receptors that bind to glycosphingolipids will also be defined.
Project 4 will utilize the unique characteristics of the regenerating
rodent olfactory system to define carbohydrate structures that are
characteristic of functional and morphologically defined subsets of
neurons.  In addition, the hormonal regulation of these cell surface
glycoconjugates will be studied in this androgen responsive system.  This
interdisciplinary, focused approach to study the expression, regulation
and function of glycoconjugates in the developing nervous system should
enrich our understanding of differentiation and growth processes of the
developing CNS that are an essential component of the eventual clinical
intervention for neurological disorders that result in mental
retardation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2194904
- **Project number:** 5P01HD005515-24
- **Recipient organization:** EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER CTR MTL RETARDATN
- **Principal Investigator:** ROBERT H MC CLUER
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $654,938
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1977-09-01 → 1995-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2194904

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2194904, BIOCHEMICAL AND GENETIC ASPECTS OF MENTAL RETARDATION (5P01HD005515-24). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2194904. Licensed CC0.

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