Channel and Receptor Physiology

Studying how neurons communicate and propagate electrical impulses is crucial to understanding how the nervous system functions.  Furthermore, diseases of the nervous system often involve the aberrant function of ion channels, transporters and receptors.  Thus, treatments of many neural disorders involve drugs that target neuronal ion channels, transporters and receptors.  Research programs in the Department of Neuroscience are centered on understanding the mechanisms underlying the activity of ion channels, transporters and receptors in normal and disease states.  Specifically, faculty programs involve chloride transporters (Dr. S. Mangel), calcium channels (Dr. M. Zhu), potassium channels (Dr. J. Enyeart), acid-sensing ion channels (Dr. C. Askwith), and transporters for neurotransmitters.

Candice Askwith, Ph. D. 
John J. Enyeart, Ph.D. 
Stuart C. Mangel, Ph.D. 
Mike Xi Zhu, Ph.D.