Investigating diseases linked to PIEZO proteins using a worm model
Official title: Modeling PIEZO associated diseases in Caenorhabditis elegans: from genetics to mechanism
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10894894 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins that help our bodies sense touch and pressure can cause health issues, using tiny worms to learn more about how these proteins affect reproduction and what genes might play a role, which could help us understand related diseases better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $239,739 |
| NIH project number | 5R00GM145224-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894894 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions linked to PIEZO proteins, such as distal arthrogryposis or Gordon Syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any known PIEZO-related conditions or those not affected by channelopathies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding diseases caused by dysfunctional PIEZO proteins, which are important for sensing mechanical changes in the body. Using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, the study aims to explore how these proteins affect reproductive functions and identify genetic factors that may influence their activity. By examining the reproductive tract of these worms, researchers hope to uncover the mechanisms behind PIEZO-related diseases and how they impact various bodily functions. This work could lead to new insights into the genetic and molecular basis of these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new targets for therapies aimed at treating diseases associated with PIEZO dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using C. elegans to study PIEZO-related diseases is innovative, similar models have successfully provided insights into other channelopathies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bai, Xiaofei — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Bai, Xiaofei
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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.