Investigating how sodium channel pairs affect nerve and muscle function
Official title: Role of dimer formation in modulating neuronal sodium channel properties
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10741033 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in our nerve and muscle cells work together, which could help us understand why some people develop conditions like epilepsy or ataxia, and it might lead to better treatments in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $427,583 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS128595-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10741033 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with epilepsy, ataxia, or other disorders linked to sodium channel mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to sodium channel dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of dimer formation in voltage-gated sodium channels, which are crucial for generating and transmitting electrical signals in neurons and muscles. By examining how these channels interact with each other, the study aims to understand how variations in these channels can lead to various neurological disorders, including epilepsy and ataxia. The approach involves analyzing the properties of sodium currents and how they change when channels form dimers, potentially leading to new insights into the mechanisms of excitability in cells. This could help identify how specific mutations contribute to disease and inform future treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients with neurological disorders related to sodium channel dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding sodium channel mutations, but the specific focus on dimer formation is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cummins, Theodore R — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Cummins, Theodore R
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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.