How membrane lipids affect the Piezo2 ion channel involved in touch and pain sensation
Official title: Regulation of mechanically activated Piezo2 ion channels by membrane lipids
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10905241 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain fats in our cells can control a special channel in our nerves that helps us feel touch and pain, with the goal of finding new ways to help people who have issues with these sensations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $329,551 |
| NIH project number | 1R01GM154420-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10905241 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic pain or sensory processing issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to mechanical pain or touch sensitivity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of membrane lipids in regulating Piezo2 ion channels, which are crucial for sensing mechanical stimuli like touch and pain. The study focuses on understanding how specific lipids can inhibit the activity of Piezo2 without affecting its counterpart, Piezo1. By exploring the interaction between these lipids and the Piezo2 channel, researchers aim to uncover new insights into the mechanisms of sensory perception. This could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for conditions related to pain and touch sensitivity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for pain management and sensory disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting Piezo2 with membrane lipids is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding ion channel regulation.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rohacs, Tibor — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Rohacs, Tibor
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.