Understanding how potassium channels work in cells
Official title: Structural Basis of Coupling and Dynamics in K+ Channels
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11099383 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how potassium channels work in our cells, which is important for keeping our heart and brain functioning properly, and it aims to understand how these channels change their shape to help control electrical signals, which could help people with conditions like epilepsy and heart rhythm problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $180,323 |
| NIH project number | 3R01GM150272-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099383 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to potassium channel dysfunction, including those experiencing cardiac arrhythmias or epileptic seizures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to potassium channel function or those who do not have any electrical activity disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the structural and functional dynamics of potassium (K+) channels, which are crucial for regulating electrical activity in cells. By examining how these channels transition between different states in response to changes in membrane potential, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that govern their activity. The research employs advanced techniques to analyze the atomic structures of these channels and their gating processes, which could have implications for conditions like epilepsy and cardiac arrhythmias.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for conditions related to potassium channel dysfunction, such as arrhythmias and epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding ion channel dynamics, indicating that this approach has the potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perozo, Eduardo a — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Perozo, Eduardo a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Education and violence: Can high-dosage tutoring reduce youth violence
A large study in Chicago schools will test whether high-dosage tutoring for students can lessen youth violence by improving learning and outcomes.
-
Cognitive SuperAging: Exploring why some octogenarians stay sharp in memory
This NIH grant studies why a small group of people aged 80+ keep memory skills as good as much younger people, hoping to understand how to protect memory as we age.
-
Lens proteins, cell stress, and cataracts in kids and adults
A study aims to understand how lens proteins and cellular stress contribute to cataracts, in both humans and mice, with the goal of guiding prevention or treatment.
-
Understanding how neurons keep their identity and function for life
Scientists are studying how nerve cells maintain their distinctive identity and function from development through aging, using human-derived neurons and a simple worm model to uncover the long-term control of brain cell behavior.
-
Cardiac Sarcomere Protein Quality Control in Health and Disease
A heart-focused study looking at how heart muscle proteins get misfolded and how the cell’s cleanup system might fix this to protect heart function.
-
Communication Bridge: Improving language therapy for people with primary progressive aphasia
A proven language-therapy program called Communication Bridge helps people with primary progressive aphasia improve and maintain how they communicate with others.
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.