Understanding ion transporters that control blood pressure, hearing, and brain signals
Structures and Pharmacology of Cation-Chloride Cotransporters
['FUNDING_R01'] · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · NIH-11305104
Work to understand and target ion transport proteins that affect blood pressure, hearing, and nerve signaling in people with hypertension, certain genetic salt-balance disorders, or neurological conditions involving chloride imbalance.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11305104 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project maps the 3D shapes and drug-binding sites of cation-chloride cotransporters, the proteins that move sodium, potassium, and chloride across cell membranes. Researchers use high-resolution structural methods and laboratory pharmacology tests to see how existing medicines and new compounds interact with these transporters. The team also studies how the transporters are turned on and off by cellular signals that affect blood pressure, kidney salt handling, and neuronal chloride levels. The goal is to guide development of drugs that keep the beneficial effects on blood pressure while reducing side effects such as hearing damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with high blood pressure, inherited salt-handling disorders (like Gitelman or Bartter syndromes), hearing problems linked to diuretic use, or neurological conditions linked to chloride dysregulation would be the most likely to benefit from future treatments informed by this work.
Not a fit: Those without blood pressure, kidney salt-balance, hearing, or related neurological issues are unlikely to see a direct benefit from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to safer, more precise diuretics and new treatments for blood pressure, certain genetic kidney disorders, and neurological conditions tied to chloride imbalance.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs that target these transporters (loop and thiazide diuretics) have long been effective for blood pressure and edema, and recent structural/pharmacology work is promising for designing improved, less harmful drugs.
Where this research is happening
SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES
- UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH — SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CAO, ERHU — UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- Study coordinator: CAO, ERHU
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.