Understanding Muscle Weakness and Stiffness Conditions
Pathophysiology of Myotonia and Periodic Paralysis
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 ID | NIH-11126637 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals living with periodic paralysis, myotonia, or other muscle conditions caused by problems with ion channels.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Los Angeles, United States
- 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.
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.