Investigating how a specific brain channel functions in diabetic mice and its effect on seizures
Official title: Hippocampal astrocytic Kir4.1 channel function in Type 2 diabetic mice: impact on neuronal hyperexcitability
Funded at University of Puerto Rico at Aguadilla · NIH-10896699 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific brain cell channel might be linked to the risk of seizures in people with diabetes, hoping to find new ways to help manage or prevent these seizures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Puerto Rico at Aguadilla NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aguadilla, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $67,213 |
| NIH project number | 3SC2NS124907-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896699 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have diabetes and are at risk for seizures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those who do not experience seizures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the Kir4.1 potassium channel in astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in diabetic mice. It aims to explore how diabetes may increase the risk of seizures by affecting neuronal communication and potassium balance in the brain. By studying the changes in Kir4.1 channel function, the researchers hope to uncover mechanisms that link diabetes to epilepsy. This could lead to new insights into how to manage or prevent seizures in diabetic patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for preventing seizures in patients with diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on Kir4.1 in diabetic models is novel, previous research has shown that targeting astrocytic function can influence seizure activity.
Where this research is happening
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University of Puerto Rico at Aguadilla
Aguadilla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mendez, Miguel P — University of Puerto Rico at Aguadilla
- Study coordinator: Mendez, Miguel P
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.