Understanding how important channels in our body open, close, and respond to medicines
Mechanisms of stepwise activation and drug-modulation in ligand-gated ion channels.
This research aims to understand the precise steps by which tiny channels in our cells open and close, and how common anxiety medications affect them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123277 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies rely on tiny channels in cells that open and close to send signals, which is vital for things like seeing, smelling, and brain function. While we know their basic shapes, we don't fully understand the exact sequence of events that makes them open or close when different molecules attach. This project uses special advanced imaging techniques to watch these individual channels in real-time, step by step. We want to map out how channels important for vision and smell work, and how benzodiazepine drugs, often used for anxiety, change the behavior of other key channels in the brain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational laboratory research does not directly involve patient participation, but future clinical applications could benefit individuals with conditions related to vision, smell, or anxiety.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention for their conditions would not directly benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of how our senses work and how medications like benzodiazepines affect the brain, potentially guiding the development of new and better treatments.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds on recent advances in understanding 3D channel structures and utilizes innovative single-molecule fluorescence methods developed by the researcher, suggesting a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Austin, United States
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldschen-Ohm, Marcel Paz — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Goldschen-Ohm, Marcel Paz
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.