Investigating how phosphorylation affects neuron channel activity related to epilepsy
Official title: Structural consequences of PKC-dependent phosphorylation of Kv7.2
Funded at University of Arkansas at Fayetteville · NIH-11127098 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special part of brain cells, called the Kv7.2 channel, changes when it gets a chemical tweak, and it hopes to find out how this affects signals in the brain, which could help people with epilepsy, especially those with certain genetic changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arkansas at Fayetteville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fayetteville, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00GM146028-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11127098 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with neonatal epilepsy linked to mutations in the Kv7.2 gene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without mutations in the Kv7.2 gene or those with other forms of epilepsy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the structural changes in a specific neuron channel, known as Kv7.2, which is crucial for regulating neuron excitability. The study aims to explore how phosphorylation, a chemical modification, influences the binding of important signaling molecules to this channel. By using advanced techniques like NMR, researchers will investigate the interactions between these molecules and the channel, which could lead to new insights into the mechanisms behind epilepsy. Patients with mutations in the Kv7.2 subunit may particularly benefit from the findings of this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating epilepsy caused by Kv7.2 mutations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the molecular mechanisms of ion channels can lead to significant advancements in epilepsy treatment, indicating a promising avenue for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Fayetteville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Archer, Crystal Rae — University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
- Study coordinator: Archer, Crystal Rae
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Native American Tribes Outreach and Education to Improve Food Safety
A tribal-focused program will provide tailored food-safety training and outreach to Native producers and tribal staff to help meet FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements.
-
Modern, shared biomedical research spaces to grow metabolic science at the University of Arkansas
A large NIH grant will create new, collaborative lab spaces at the University of Arkansas to boost metabolic and biomedical research that could improve health in Arkansans.
-
Transforming Spatial Proteomics for Nanometer-Scale Protein Mapping
A research project aims to map where proteins are and how they interact inside cells at incredibly tiny scales to better understand cancer biology.
-
Robotic hip augmentation for osteoporotic bones with biomechanical planning
A team will test a robotic, computer-guided way to strengthen the hip bone in people with osteoporosis to reduce the risk of fracture.
-
Bat behavior and virus shedding linked to spillover risk
This NIH grant explores how bat behavior and virus shedding in wild populations could influence the chance that viruses jump to humans or other animals, with a focus on Kenya and Belize.
-
Decoding how genes and environment shape complex traits
This NIH grant would study how genetic differences and environmental factors work together to influence complex traits and diseases using advanced multi-omics in model organisms and natural populations.
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.