Investigating how potassium channels open and close in response to voltage changes
Official title: Conformational Dynamics and Regulatory Mechanisms in the KCNH Family of Ion Channels
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11011581 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain potassium channels in our cells open and close, which is important for heart health, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with heart rhythm problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 17, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $427,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156369-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011581 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with cardiac arrhythmias or other cardiac diseases linked to ion channel dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those without any known issues related to ion channel function may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the KCNH family of potassium channels, which play a crucial role in controlling the movement of potassium ions across cell membranes. By using advanced techniques, including non-canonical amino acid technology, the researchers will study how specific parts of these channels change shape during their opening and closing processes. This investigation aims to uncover the fundamental mechanisms that govern voltage-dependent gating, which is essential for proper cell excitability and function. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how these channels work, potentially leading to new treatments for cardiac arrhythmias and other related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients with cardiac arrhythmias and other heart-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding ion channel dynamics, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trudeau, Matthew C — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Trudeau, Matthew C
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.