This $299,997 National Science Foundation project grant, funded through the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049), will support the development of advanced computational tools to model voltage-dependent ion channels and further mitochondrial research. Specifically, the Medical College of Wisconsin will create state-of-the-art mathematical models, numerical algorithms, and software to study how the electrostatics and kinetics of the voltage-dependent anion channel alter species transport across the outer mitochondrial membrane and impact key mitochondrial functions. This work is expected to yield an integrated voltage-dependent anion channel-mitochondrial model that accounts for ion sizes, atomic charges, molecular structures, and nonlocal dielectric properties - advancing understanding of how channel electrostatics and kinetics contribute to mitochondrial disease pathogenesis. The project will also provide educational opportunities for students in southeast Wisconsin. Results from this research could potentially inform therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular and other diseases.
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