Understanding Muscle Weakness and Stiffness Conditions
Official title: Pathophysiology of Myotonia and Periodic Paralysis
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11126637 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores the reasons behind muscle weakness and stiffness in conditions like periodic paralysis and myotonia, aiming to find new ways to help patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $491,495 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR078198-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11126637 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is relevant for individuals living with periodic paralysis, myotonia, or other muscle conditions caused by problems with ion channels.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose muscle conditions are not related to ion channel defects or the specific mechanisms explored in this project may not directly benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
This project seeks to understand the fundamental causes of muscle weakness and stiffness in conditions known as periodic paralysis and myotonia. These conditions are linked to issues with ion channels in skeletal muscle, which can lead to severe weakness and muscle stiffness that depend on activity. Researchers are studying how specific changes in these channels cause symptoms and how factors like stress, diet, or temperature can trigger episodes. The ultimate goal is to use this deeper understanding to design and test new treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new therapies that reduce or prevent the debilitating episodes of weakness and stiffness for patients with myotonia and periodic paralysis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has successfully established clear links between specific genetic mutations in ion channels and the clinical symptoms observed in these muscle disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cannon, Stephen C. — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Cannon, Stephen C.
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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.