Understanding how ion channels sense voltage in cell membranes
Official title: VOLTAGE-SENSING MECHANISMS OF ION CHANNELS IN DYNAMIC LIPID MEMBRANES
Funded at Saint Louis University · NIH-11131234 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain channels in our cell membranes work, especially how they interact with cholesterol, to better understand their role in conditions like nerve pain and heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Saint Louis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $378,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM154778-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131234 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals suffering from neuropathic pain or cardiac conditions linked to ion channel dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to ion channel function or those not experiencing neuropathic pain or cardiac issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which voltage-gated ion channels operate within lipid membranes, particularly focusing on how these channels interact with cholesterol-rich areas of the membrane. By using advanced techniques like patch-clamp fluorometry and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, the study aims to uncover how changes in membrane structure can affect the function of these channels. This could provide insights into conditions like neuropathic pain and cardiac issues, which are influenced by the behavior of these ion channels.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for conditions related to nerve and heart function by improving our understanding of ion channel regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding ion channel mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dai, Gucan — Saint Louis University
- Study coordinator: Dai, Gucan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Selective Targeting of Nurr1 for Alzheimer’s Disease
A small study tests new brain-targeted compounds to help people with Alzheimer’s by reducing inflammation and protecting brain cells.
-
Understanding how TDP-43 clumps cause brain cell damage in dementia
A research team is studying how clumps of TDP-43 protein mess with brain cell functions in Alzheimer’s and related dementias, with the goal of identifying what goes wrong and where.
-
Encephalitogenic stem-like T cells in MS and its disease models
This grant explores a specific type of brain-accumulating T cell linked to multiple sclerosis and tests new analytical tools to understand them better.
-
Endothelial dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease: a data-driven model for diagnosis and prognosis
This research explores brain blood vessel problems in people with Alzheimer’s to find new biomarkers that could help diagnose and predict progression.
-
How alcohol may damage the brain’s protective barrier and how to stop it
Researchers are studying how heavy drinking could weaken the brain’s shield by changing a signaling system called LPA in blood vessels of the brain, and whether blocking parts of this system could help.
-
A brain immune-cell receptor (GPR56) and its link to Alzheimer's
Testing whether changing activity of a microglial receptor called GPR56 can reduce Alzheimer's brain plaques and related damage in people with Alzheimer's disease.
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.