Understanding how light-gated proteins work
Official title: Structural and mechanistic basis of channelrhodopsin function
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11030236 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special proteins that react to light and help control how ions move in cells, which could improve techniques that let scientists use light to manage cell activity, making it easier to understand and potentially treat conditions related to cell function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $429,770 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM148599-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030236 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to retinal function or those who may benefit from advanced optogenetic therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to retinal function or those not amenable to optogenetic interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates channelrhodopsins, which are proteins that respond to light and control ion flow in cells. By using advanced imaging techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, the team aims to capture the structures of these proteins in various states to understand how they function. This knowledge could enhance the use of channelrhodopsins in optogenetics, a technique that allows scientists to control cell activity with light. The research will explore different variants of these proteins to determine their properties and how they can be manipulated for better performance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved optogenetic tools that enhance treatments for conditions like blindness and neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using channelrhodopsins for optogenetic applications, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brohawn, Stephen Graf — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Brohawn, Stephen Graf
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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.