Investigating how physical stimuli affect sensory ion channels

Enabling physical stimuli in the study of structural dynamics: The sensory ion channels

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10681320

This study is looking at how certain proteins in our body react to things like touch, heat, and electricity, which can help us understand their role in health and disease, and could lead to new treatments in the future.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10681320 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how sensory ion channels respond to physical stimuli like force, temperature, and voltage. By utilizing advanced techniques such as high-speed atomic force microscopy, the study aims to capture real-time dynamics and structural changes of these proteins under physiological conditions. This approach allows researchers to gain insights into the conformational states of ion channels, which are crucial for various physiological functions and are linked to several health conditions. The goal is to enhance our understanding of these proteins to potentially inform future therapeutic strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to sensory ion channel dysfunction, such as certain neurological disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to sensory ion channels or those not experiencing any related symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the functioning of sensory ion channels, potentially improving treatments for related health conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in using advanced imaging techniques to study protein dynamics, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.