How the TMEM16A cell channel is controlled
Physiologic mechanisms of ion channel regulation
Researchers are learning how the TMEM16A protein that affects breast cancer, heart, and nerve cells is turned on and off.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261630 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, this work aims to discover how the TMEM16A channel responds to specific membrane lipids and fatty acids so it can carry chloride ions properly. The team will study how a membrane lipid called PIP2 helps the channel open, how arachidonic acid and its breakdown products shut it down, and how fertilization triggers the channel in frog eggs. They will use lab experiments on cells and biological membranes, biochemical and biophysical tests of channel activity, and experiments using African clawed frog eggs to reveal the molecular steps. Findings will be related back to known links between TMEM16A and cancers such as breast and pancreatic cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with breast cancer, especially those whose tumors involve TMEM16A changes, or people with certain heart or nerve excitability conditions might be interested in future clinical work that follows from this research.
Not a fit: People without conditions linked to TMEM16A or those seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to target TMEM16A for therapies in breast cancer and disorders of heart or nerve excitability.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked TMEM16A to cancer and described its basic ion-channel behavior, but the detailed roles of PIP2 and arachidonic-acid regulation are relatively new and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carlson, Anne E — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Carlson, Anne E
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.