Investigating how a specific chloride channel affects brain cell death during stroke.
Structural and Functional Studies on Proton-activated Chloride (PAC) Channel
This study is looking at how a specific channel in brain cells, which gets activated when there's too much acid during a stroke, contributes to brain cell damage, and it hopes to find ways to protect those cells and improve treatment for stroke patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10973763 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the proton-activated chloride (PAC) channel in brain cell death caused by ischemic stroke, a condition where blood flow to the brain is interrupted. The study aims to explore how acid accumulation in the brain activates this channel, leading to neurotoxicity and irreversible damage. By utilizing advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, researchers will analyze the structure and function of the PAC channel to uncover its mechanisms. This knowledge could help in developing targeted treatments to protect brain cells during strokes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced an ischemic stroke or are at high risk for stroke.
Not a fit: Patients with non-ischemic strokes or other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that protect brain cells from damage during ischemic strokes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding chloride channels in relation to brain injuries, but the specific focus on the PAC channel is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Thomas Jefferson University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ruan, Zheng — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Ruan, Zheng
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.