Research
Ion channels: from molecules to therapy
Ion channels are protein complexes that confer the flux of ions through cellular membranes. Virtually every cell in the body needs ion channels for proper function. Impaired ion channel function has been implicated with numerous acquired and inherited diseases (“channelopathies”). Many therapeutically used drugs act via ion channels and ion channels are also important targets for future drug development and therapies. Our laboratory employs a broad spectrum of methods including molecular biology, electrophysiology, iPS cell / organoid technologies, AAV-mediated gene transfer, imaging and generation of genetic mouse models to achieve insights into the function and physiological regulation of ion channels. On the basis of these studies, we are seeking to understand the role of ion channels in diseased states, to explore their druggability and to design next-generation gene therapy approaches to rescue their function in vivo. Our focus is on the following research topics:
Our work has been funded by the DFG (German Research Foundation), the Bavarian Research Foundation, the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, and by EU Framework programs.
We are members of the:
- SFB/TRR 152 Maintenance of body homeostasis by TRP channel modules
- SPP 2127 Gene and cell based therapies to counteract neuroretinal degeneration
- Research Training Group 2338 –Targets in toxicology
- RD Cure Gene therapy trials
- Munich Center for Neurosciences - Brain and Mind
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN)
- Graduate School Life Science Munich (LSM)
- Leopoldina German National Academy of Sciences
- Bavarian Academy of Sciences