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Ion channel Research Division

Our lab studies structure and function of ion channels: transmembrane protein pores which allow passage of some type of ion across a biological membrane. Our experimental approaches include recording and analysis of single-channel and macroscopic patch-clamp currents (Fig. 1), site-directed mutagenesis, protein biochemistry, and mathematical modeling. Our studies are focused on two target proteins, the CFTR chloride channel and the TRPM2 cation channel.


Fig. 1. Ion channels and the patch-clamp technique.

A, Ion channels are transmembrane pores selective for a certain type of ion.
B, The patch-clamp technique records open-to-closed transitions of single channel molecules in real time.