Research

Glia-Neuron Crosstalk and Channel Function

• Investigation of KCNQ channel function in glial cells and their impact on neuronal excitability.
• Characterization of the physiological properties of KCNQ channels in glia and their role in modulating neuronal activity.
• Understanding the pathological consequences of glial KCNQ mutations on both glial and neuronal structural and functional integrity.

Glial regulation of Mechanosensation

• Elucidation of the mechanosensitive properties of glial cells within touch receptors.
• Exploration of glia-neuron crosstalk mechanisms in the context of touch sensation.
• Identification of molecular pathways underlying glial responses to tactile stimuli and their significance in tactile perception.

Cell Membrane Curvature and BAR Protein Function

• Investigation into the structural and functional aspects of BAR proteins in regulating cell membrane curvature.
• Development of an in vivo model system utilizing C. elegans to study BAR protein structure/function relationships.
• Application of cryoEM/cryoET techniques to uncover key structural motifs in full-length human BAR proteins interacting with membranes, particularly in association with targets such as CDC42.