MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF POTASSIUM CHANNELS

Ion channels are exquisite membrane proteins that allow the selective flux of ions in and out of cells. Controlled opening and closing of ion channels underlie fundamental processes such as generation of action potentials, sensory transduction and synaptic transmission. Our laboratory uses a multidisciplinary approach to study the structure and function of potassium channels. Molecular biological, protein biochemistry and sophisticated electrophysiological techniques are employed to determine the localization, function and modulation of potassium channels in neuronal and glial cells.