Proton-activated chloride channel's role in brain cell damage after stroke
Structural and Functional Studies on Proton-activated Chloride (PAC) Channel
This project looks at how a tiny channel called PAC makes brain cells swell and die when the brain becomes acidic during an ischemic stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11115702 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how the PAC channel responds when brain tissue becomes acidic during an ischemic stroke. The team uses high-resolution cryo-EM imaging and laboratory experiments to map the channel's structure and identify the parts that sense pH and open to allow chloride ions into cells. They will combine structural information with cell-based functional tests to capture the channel's open state and show how its activation leads to cell swelling and death. These lab-based results aim to point to specific parts of the channel that could be targeted to protect brain cells after stroke.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people affected by ischemic (acquired) brain injury or those willing to donate blood or tissue samples to support stroke research.
Not a fit: People without ischemic or acid-related brain injury and healthy volunteers are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new drug targets to prevent acid-induced swelling and reduce brain damage after stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have provided near-atomic PAC structures and initial functional insights, but the open state and full pH-sensing mechanism remain largely uncharacterized.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Thomas Jefferson University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ruan, Zheng — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Ruan, Zheng
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.