Understanding how voltage-gated ion channels work in nerve and muscle cells
Official title: Chemical biology of voltage-gated cation channels
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11023026 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain tiny channels in nerve and muscle cells help them communicate and work properly, which is important for muscle movement, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding how our bodies control these essential functions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $552,803 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM148239-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11023026 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cardiac arrhythmias or other related muscle and nerve disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac related conditions or those not affected by muscle or nerve signaling issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of voltage-gated ion channels in the electrical signaling of nerve and muscle cells. It focuses on how sodium and calcium channels contribute to muscle contraction and how potassium channels help reset the cell's electrical state. The study employs innovative techniques to capture the structure of these channels in live cell membranes, which is crucial for understanding their function in real physiological conditions. By modifying the chemistry of these channels, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that govern their activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for conditions like cardiac arrhythmias and muscle disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding ion channel functions, making this approach both innovative and built on a foundation of prior successes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ahern, Christopher a — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Ahern, Christopher a
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.