Proteins that control Bestrophin channels in the eye
Interacting Partners of Bestrophin Channels
Researchers will map which proteins interact with Bestrophin channels to better understand how they influence eye cells and conditions like bestrophinopathy and glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11378297 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists are identifying the proteins that bind to Best1 and Best2 channels, which help move chloride and other anions in eye cells. They will use molecular tools (including CRISPR), lab-grown cells, animal models, and human eye tissues to see how these partners change channel activity. The team will link these molecular findings to inherited BEST1-related retinal degenerations and to how Best2 influences aqueous humor and eye pressure. Over time this work aims to show whether changing those interactions could protect vision or lower intraocular pressure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inherited BEST1 mutations (bestrophinopathies) or patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with eye conditions unrelated to bestrophin biology (for example routine cataracts or refractive errors) or those expecting immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal new drug targets or treatment strategies to protect retinal cells in BEST1-related disease and to lower eye pressure in glaucoma.
How similar studies have performed: Prior genetic and animal studies have linked BEST1 mutations to retinal disease and shown Best2 affects eye pressure, but systematically mapping interacting proteins with CRISPR-based methods is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Tingting — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Yang, Tingting
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 below.