Understanding how acid-sensing ion channels work in the nervous system
Acid-Sensing Ion Channel gating: Conformations and Consequences
This study is looking at how special channels in our nerves, called ASICs, react to changes in acidity, which could help us understand things like pain and heart function, and how these channels might influence behaviors like fear and responses to strokes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10868591 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in the nervous system, particularly how they respond to changes in extracellular pH. By using advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, the study aims to uncover the structural and functional dynamics of ASICs, which are crucial for various physiological responses, including pain sensation and cardiac regulation. The research also explores how manipulating these channels can affect behaviors such as fear learning and responses to ischemic stroke. This comprehensive approach combines structural biology with functional experiments to provide insights into the mechanisms of ASICs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with conditions related to pain sensitivity, cardiac autonomic dysfunction, or those at risk of ischemic stroke.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to acid-sensing ion channels or those not experiencing issues with pain or cardiac regulation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for conditions related to pain, cardiac regulation, and neuroprotection following strokes.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of ion channels in various physiological processes, indicating that this approach has potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maclean, David Malcom — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Maclean, David Malcom
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.