How lipids and helper enzymes influence how TRP channels work
Official title: Modulation of ion channels by lipids and protein folding helper enzymes
Funded at University of Texas San Antonio · NIH-11391253 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring how fat molecules and cellular helpers affect TRP ion channels that influence pain, diabetes, and heart conditions, with potential implications for safer pain treatment and cardiovascular health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas San Antonio NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $377,262 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM159863-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11391253 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with conditions related to TRP channel function, such as certain cardiovascular diseases or diabetes, or individuals contributing biological samples for analysis.
✕Less likely to help
People without conditions linked to TRP channels or those not involved in studies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project looks at Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels, which are involved in sensing pain and are linked to diabetes and heart problems. It aims to build detailed models of how these channels function in living cells, considering parts of the cell membrane and the cytosol. Researchers will examine how lipids and protein partners shape the channels’ regulation under normal conditions. The work combines biophysics and cellular biology to map how the cellular environment changes TRP activity. Outcomes could guide new ways to target TRP channels for healthier pain management and disease treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to novel strategies to modulate TRP channels and improve treatments for pain, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown TRP channels can be regulated by lipid environments, with expanding evidence supporting environment-specific modulation as a viable therapeutic approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas San Antonio
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmidpeter, Philipp A.m. — University of Texas San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Schmidpeter, Philipp A.m.
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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.