How the Cav1.2 calcium channel affects bladder function
Cav1.2 in bladder physiology and pathology
This project looks at whether boosting the Cav1.2 calcium channel can help people with overactive bladder symptoms like frequent urination and small voids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309105 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how the Cav1.2 L-type calcium channel controls bladder smooth muscle and the bladder lining because changes in Cav1.2 are linked to symptoms such as frequency, small voids, and incontinence. They will use mouse experiments including intravesical drug infusion and mice with urothelium-specific deletion of Cav1.2 to observe effects on voiding patterns and bladder capacity. The team will compare effects of Cav1.2 antagonists (which increase frequency) and agonists (which in mice produce fewer, larger voids) to identify therapeutic directions. Lab findings are intended to guide development of medicines targeting Cav1.2 for people with lower urinary tract symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with lower urinary tract symptoms such as overactive bladder, frequent urination, small voids, or ketamine-associated cystitis.
Not a fit: People without bladder symptoms or whose bladder problems are caused primarily by infection, stones, or irreversible neurological injury may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that activate Cav1.2 to reduce urinary frequency and increase bladder capacity for people with LUTS.
How similar studies have performed: Past clinical trials of calcium channel blockers like nifedipine did not help and sometimes worsened LUTS, but preclinical mouse data suggesting benefit from Cav1.2 agonists is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Weiqun — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Yu, Weiqun
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 below.