We are interested in the molecular mechanism underlying the opening and closing of voltage-gated ion channels, and how compounds can modify this. We express ion channels in Xenopus oocytes or in human cell lines, and study the voltage-sensing mechanism by measuring ion and gating currents with several electrophysiological methods such as the two-electrode voltage clamp and patch-clamp techniques, bot manual and automatic. Computer simulations are used to understand the molecular effects at the cellular level. We also study how different small-molecule compounds can modify ion channel activity. Specifically we focus on compounds that activate (open) voltage-gated potassium channels. Such compounds can potentially be developed into anti-seizure drugs.
Group members
Johan Brask
Argel Estrada Mondragon
Urban Karlsson
Nina Ottosson
Olle Rönnelid