Understanding how kidneys manage potassium for heart and muscle health
Regulation of Kir4.1/Kir5.1 and renal potassium excretion
This research explores how our kidneys control potassium levels in the body, which is vital for keeping our heart, muscles, and nerves working well.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Valhalla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137656 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies need just the right amount of potassium to function properly, as too much or too little can lead to serious issues like heart rhythm problems. This project looks at how specific channels in the kidneys, called Kir4.1 and Kir5.1, work together with other transporters to adjust how much potassium our bodies get rid of. By understanding these tiny channels, we hope to learn more about how the kidneys maintain this delicate balance. This knowledge could help us prevent dangerous potassium imbalances that affect heart and muscle function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who experience or are at risk for conditions related to potassium imbalances, such as certain heart rhythm disorders, could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this research.
Not a fit: Healthy individuals with normal potassium levels and no related medical conditions would likely not receive direct benefit from this specific basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat life-threatening conditions caused by abnormal potassium levels, such as cardiac arrhythmias.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have established the importance of certain kidney transporters in potassium balance, and this research builds upon that existing knowledge by focusing on specific regulatory channels.
Where this research is happening
Valhalla, United States
- New York Medical College — Valhalla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Dao-Hong — New York Medical College
- Study coordinator: Lin, Dao-Hong
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.