Mechanism and function of Kv channel targeting
Using protein biochemistry, cell biology, high-resolution live-cell imaging, electrophysiology and mouse genetics techniques, we are studying the molecular mechanism and function of asymmetric localization of Kv3 (Shaw) voltage-gated potassium channels in axons and dendrites.
Intracellular transport of ion channels in chronic axonal hypersensitivity
The long-term goals are to understand how ion channel transport is regulated by inflammation in sensory axons and to identify new drug targets for treating chronic pain and asthma.
Projects
Regulation of intrinsic excitability and synaptic transmission by myelination in Hippocampus
Ion channel function in inflammatory demyelination
By employing EAE mouse model and myelin coculture, we are investigating the roles of potassium channels expressed in activated astrocytes during inflammation in various demyelinating diseases, including multiple sclerosis.
By using hippocampal myelin coculture, animal model, imaging and electrophysiology techniques, we are studying how myelination regulates intrinsic neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission in hippocampus and how the dysregulation is involved in cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.