Targeting acid-sensing channels that drive pain and anxiety
Targeting Specific ASIC Subunits and Heteromers Using Protein Engineering
Researchers will develop engineered protein tools to precisely block specific acid-sensing ion channels linked to pain and anxiety.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309168 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses protein engineering to make molecules that bind specific acid-sensing ion channel subunits and combinations that are linked to pain, fear, and stroke-related damage. The team will map where natural toxin blockers attach to human and rodent ASICs, modify channels and toxins in the lab, and measure effects on channel activity in cells. They will compare human versus animal versions to understand why some blockers relieve pain in mice but worsen or fail in humans, and test promising candidates in preclinical models of cutaneous and inflammatory pain. The aim is to produce more selective tools that could become safer, more effective treatments for pain or anxiety down the line.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pain driven by acid-sensing channels—for example certain inflammatory or cutaneous pain conditions—or anxiety linked to ASIC activity would be the kinds of patients who might benefit from future therapies developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose pain has no involvement of ASIC channels, those needing immediate symptom relief, or conditions unrelated to ASIC biology are unlikely to benefit directly from this early-stage research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new targeted pain and anxiety treatments that work better and have fewer side effects than current options.
How similar studies have performed: Toxin-based ASIC blockers have produced pain relief in animal studies, but differences between rodent and human channels have so far limited successful translation to people.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maclean, David Malcolm — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Maclean, David Malcolm
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.