Project Grant R15GM166926

Federal Project Grant Summary

St. John's University, New York has been awarded $562,500 by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859) for a three-year project period extending from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. This award supports fundamental research investigating the molecular mechanisms governing proton conductance and gating in OTOP (otopetrins) proton channels, a newly identified family of ion channels involved in pH homeostasis, membrane potential regulation, and cellular signaling across diverse tissues including taste receptor cells, vestibular organs, and epithelial cells critical for acid-base balance.

The research deliverables will include characterization of the proton-conducting pore and selectivity filter of OTOP channels, determination of how the N- and C-pores regulate gating mechanisms, and validation of whether individual OTOP1 monomers represent the minimal functional unit. These findings will advance understanding of ion channel physiology and establish fundamental principles of proton transport applicable across biological systems, with potential implications for addressing dysfunction in cancer progression, ischemic injury, metabolic disorders, and sensory disorders. The research is conducted within an undergraduate-focused institutional environment, aligning with NIGMS's mission to support basic research that increases understanding of biological processes and lays the foundation for disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention advances.