Understanding how calcium signals work inside our cells

Functional architecture of intracellular Ca2+ signals

NIH-funded research Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-10986137

This research aims to understand how calcium signals within our cells are controlled, which is important because problems with these signals are linked to many diseases.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Milwaukee, United States)
Project IDNIH-10986137 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our cells use calcium signals to manage many important functions, and when these signals go wrong, it can lead to various health problems. This project explores how tiny channels inside cells, called two-pore channels (TPCs), release calcium and how a molecule called NAADP helps activate them. Researchers have identified a new protein, JPT-2, that works with NAADP to control these TPC channels. By understanding these basic mechanisms, we can learn more about how diseases develop.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients with a wide range of conditions where calcium signaling dysfunction plays a role, though it does not involve direct patient participation at this stage.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention will not receive benefit from this basic science research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of how calcium-related diseases develop and potentially help identify new targets for future treatments.

How similar studies have performed: This project is exploring novel molecular mechanisms, including the identification of a previously elusive protein, making it a new and untested approach in this specific area.

Where this research is happening

Milwaukee, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.