Investigating how changes in specific binding sites affect epilepsy-related potassium channels
Official title: Dynamic changes in PIP2 binding sites and their impact on axonal targeting and function of epilepsy-associated KCNQ/Kv7 channels
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-11126536 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain channels in the brain, which are important for controlling nerve activity and are connected to epilepsy, work when they have changes in their structure, and it aims to find out how these changes might help us understand and treat early-onset epilepsy better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $365,984 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS126584-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11126536 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with early-onset epileptic encephalopathy or those experiencing severe cognitive and behavioral deficits due to epilepsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with epilepsy not associated with Kv7 channel mutations or those with other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of Kv7/KCNQ channels, which are crucial for regulating neuronal excitability and are linked to epilepsy. The study examines how mutations in these channels impact their function and localization in the brain, particularly in areas associated with seizures and cognitive function. By exploring the binding sites of a lipid called PIP2, the research aims to uncover how these sites influence the channels' behavior in different states. This could lead to insights into the mechanisms behind early-onset epileptic encephalopathy and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for epilepsy and related cognitive disorders by targeting the mechanisms that regulate potassium channels.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of Kv7 channels in epilepsy, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chung, Hee Jung — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Chung, Hee Jung
Related research
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Sahel Epilepsy Study: finding patterns in epilepsy in rural Africa and its links to genes
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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.