Tuning Ion Channels in Health and Disease

 Ion channels are nature’s analog of a transistor. Yet, unlike their silicon counterparts, protein channels are dynamically tuned by cellular signaling processes and a repertoire of regulatory proteins. This feature — electrobiochemical feedback — allows cells to adapt their electrical properties to match life’s complex requirements. Disruption of this ion channel feedback is a key factor for many human ailments.

We are a team of physiologists and engineers working together to unravel the molecular underpinnings of ion channel feedback regulation. We focus on Voltage-gated Calcium and Sodium channels that are fundamental to excitable cells and critical to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, epilepsies, neurodegnerative, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Our ultimate goal is to harness in depth molecular understanding to devise new therapies.