TMEM175 lysosome potassium channel and brain health
Regulation of lysosomal potassium channels
This work looks at how the TMEM175 potassium channel in cell lysosomes affects cell cleanup and brain disorders like Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11314492 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are studying a protein called TMEM175 that forms a potassium channel in lysosomes, the cell compartments that break down and recycle waste. They use organelle electrophysiology to measure ion flow, genetic models that remove TMEM175 in mice, and experiments with human cells and tissue to see how the channel affects lysosome acidity, protein clearance, and cell survival. The team examines connections to signaling pathways (mTOR, AKT, TFEB) and watches for worsening of protein clumps such as misfolded α-synuclein. Findings from these lab and animal experiments aim to point to targets or strategies that could eventually protect neurons in neurodegenerative diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, or other neurodegenerative conditions — and individuals willing to donate tissue or other samples for research — would be the most likely candidates to participate or contribute.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to lysosomal dysfunction or neurodegeneration are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal new targets to protect brain cells and slow or prevent progression of diseases like Parkinson's.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and animal studies have linked TMEM175 to lysosomal acidification and Parkinson-like neuron loss, but translating these findings into human treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ren, Dejian — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Ren, Dejian
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.