Investigating how certain proteins interact to regulate heart and nerve cell activity
Official title: KCNE1 as a molecular shield of KV7.1
Funded at University of the Pacific-Stockton · NIH-10818590 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in your heart and nerves work together, especially focusing on how one protein helps control electrical signals that can affect your heart rhythm and hearing, with the hope of finding new treatments for heart arrhythmias and hearing issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of the Pacific-Stockton NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stockton, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $168,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS132318-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10818590 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with known heart arrhythmias or hearing disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to heart or nerve cell electrical signaling may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the interactions between specific proteins that play crucial roles in the electrical signaling of heart and nerve cells. It examines how the KV7.1 potassium channel, essential for stopping rapid electrical signals, is influenced by the NaVβ1 protein and protected by KCNE1. By studying these interactions, the research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that could lead to heart arrhythmias and hearing disorders. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for heart arrhythmias and hearing disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding protein interactions in cardiac and neural functions, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of the Pacific-Stockton
Stockton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Villalba-Galea, Carlos Alberto — University of the Pacific-Stockton
- Study coordinator: Villalba-Galea, Carlos Alberto
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Predicting Children's Facial Growth: Building a Landmark Database and Individualized Models
Aimed at predicting how a person’s face grows over time using a big landmark database and smart computer models to guide orthodontic care.
-
Effects of different exercise intensities on blood vessels and metabolism in prediabetes and diabetes
This project tests how moderate and high-intensity interval exercise affects blood vessel and fat tissue function in male and female rats with prediabetes or diabetes.
-
Colonization and protein delivery by yeast in the gut of mice
A study exploring a yeast-based system that makes and delivers therapeutic proteins directly in the gut of mice to simplify therapy and reduce storage problems.
-
PRIMED: Training the next generation of clinical oral health researchers
A program to train clinicians and researchers so they can turn dental research into real improvements in oral health.
-
Single-cell map of immune cells in oral dysplasia turning into cancer
Researchers will create a high-resolution map of immune cells in premalignant oral tissue to help predict which lesions may become cancerous.
-
Fast-acting delivery to prevent and reverse fentanyl and other opioid overdoses
A new way to deliver medicine quickly that could stop and reverse fentanyl and other opioid overdoses for people at risk or experiencing an overdose.
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.