How kidney channels regulate potassium levels in the body
Official title: Regulation of Kir4.1/Kir5.1 and renal potassium excretion
Funded at New York Medical College · NIH-10892924 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain channels in your kidneys help keep your potassium levels balanced, which is important for heart health, especially if you have issues with potassium levels.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Valhalla, United States) |
| Project start | July 26, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $346,368 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136491-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892924 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing issues with potassium balance, such as those with cardiac arrhythmias or kidney dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any potassium regulation issues or related cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific channels in the kidneys that help maintain potassium balance in the body. It focuses on how the Kir4.1 and Kir5.1 channels in the distal convoluted tubule influence the activity of the thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC), which is crucial for potassium excretion. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover how dietary potassium intake affects kidney function and overall potassium homeostasis. This could lead to better management of conditions related to potassium imbalances, such as cardiac arrhythmias.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients with potassium-related disorders, potentially reducing the risk of life-threatening heart conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of renal channels in potassium regulation, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
New York Medical College
Valhalla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Dao-Hong — New York Medical College
- Study coordinator: Lin, Dao-Hong
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.