# TriMED: Measuring, Modeling and Manipulating Excitability and Disease

> **NIH NIH T32** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $312,304

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The nervous system is an electrical system, and neurons are the archetypal electrically active cell, but ion
transport is fundamental to the regulation of every cell in the body, whether excitable or not, and almost 20%
of approved drugs actually work on ion channels. Multiple neurological diseases, including movement
disorders, migraine, and epilepsy, can clearly be caused directly by inherited mutations of specific ion
channels and transporters, but defective ion transport is also associated with every big disease, from cancers
to heart disease to Alzheimer's disease. We aim to generate a cohort of researchers with the appropriate in-
depth understanding of membrane biology, in combination with state-of-the-art technical skills, to carry out
basic and translational research in excitability. The intended result is researchers with the capability to
transform excitability research – and hence therapies – by harnessing burgeoning advances in (i) membrane
protein structure determination, (ii) measurement of excitability, by electrophysiology and imaging, from
molecular to tissue levels, (iii) modeling, both biological and computational and (iv) modulation of excitability,
both pharmacologically and physically. The program will support later stage pre-doctoral and post-doctoral
trainees in dual-mentored research, with a primary mentor from one of the above fundamental focus areas,
and a second mentor who could be from an applied focus area – including methods development or
organismal and clinical studies. In addition to intensive research experiences, trainees will participate in a
didactic course, geared towards in-depth research understanding, as well as activities devoted to training in
grant writing, presentations, and career development. The program faculty mentors, chosen with regard to
breadth and diversity of background and career stage, all with strong track records of funding and
commitment to trainee development, the interdisciplinary nature of training opportunities, and institutional
commitments combine to foster a unique environment suited to the goal of this TriMED program. The
program will identify individuals with appropriate backgrounds, who are committed to a career in excitability
research, and provide them with mentored pre- and post-doctoral research experiences that will establish a
foundation for future careers capable of bringing new insights and tools to bear in neuroscience and disorders
of excitability.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10881878
- **Project number:** 5T32NS126120-02
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Baron Chanda
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $312,304
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-07-05 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10881878

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10881878, TriMED: Measuring, Modeling and Manipulating Excitability and Disease (5T32NS126120-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10881878. Licensed CC0.

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