# Analysis of Calcium Signaling in C. Elegans

> **NIH NIH R01** · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · 2024 · $568,605

## Abstract

Analysis of calcium signaling in C. elegans
 The goal of this project is to analyze mechanisms controlling signaling by
voltage-activated calcium (CaV) channels. In neurons and muscles, brief cytoplasmic
calcium transients efficiently and rapidly activate downstream effectors, often on
millisecond time scales. One general mechanism that promotes signal speed and
efficiency is tight spatial coupling between CaV channels and their effectors, which is
termed calcium nanodomain signaling. We propose three Aims to study nanodomain
signaling by CaV channels. First, we identify genes required to promote coupling of
CaV1 (L-type) channels to two effectors, calcium activated BK potassium channels and
ryanodine receptors (RYR), which are calcium release channels in the endoplasmic
reticulum. Second, we test models for how the threshold is set for activity induced gene
transcription, and if this threshold is shifted by mutations in specific calcium activated
signaling components or by endogenous neuropeptides. Third, we ask how CaV1 and 2
channels are localized at presynaptic terminals, which dictates neurotransmitter release
probability. These Aims address fundamental mechanisms controlling neuron and
muscle physiology.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10744768
- **Project number:** 5R01NS032196-30
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** JOSHUA M KAPLAN
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $568,605
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1993-07-01 → 2026-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10744768

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10744768, Analysis of Calcium Signaling in C. Elegans (5R01NS032196-30). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10744768. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*