Molecular clues to how proton channels in cells open, close, and move protons in cancer and surrounding tissues
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms of Proton Conductance and Gating in Otop Proton Channels
Funded at St. John's University · NIH-11444785 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist at ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY is studying how proton channels (Otop family) work at the molecular level and how their behavior affects cancer and related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. John's University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Queens, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $562,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM166926-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11444785 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cancers or disorders linked to proton channel dysfunction could potentially benefit from this line of research in the long term.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage basic research without immediate patient-level testing may not benefit participants directly.
What this research studies
This project focuses on understanding the detailed mechanics of Otop proton channels, which help control cell pH and signaling. Researchers will examine how different parts of the channel contribute to proton movement and gating, using structural and functional experiments. The work aims to connect basic biology to potential impacts on cancer biology and tissue health, with results that could guide future therapies. The grant provides support for experiments, training, and collaborations over the funding period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could lead to better understanding of cancer biology and novel avenues for targeting proton channels in disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that altering specific channel regions changes conductance and gating, supporting the potential for meaningful advances in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
St. John's University
Queens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Yong — St. John's University
- Study coordinator: Yu, Yong
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.