Page 34 - CBAC Newsletter 2016

CBAC Faculty

Spotlight Continued

Recently, our lab found that the KCNQ1 channel has two
open states, and the two open states differ in various
properties, including voltage dependent activation, ion
permeation and pharmacology. The effects of KCNE1 on
channel properties can be well explained by the
mechanism that KCNE1 association suppresses one
open state but potentiates the other. Therefore, the
properties of the channel are switched from being
predominated by one open state to being predominated
by the other open state. We are excited by this
mechanism and are studying the ion channel further to
test if all known property changes due to KCNE1
association can be explained by this simple mechanism.

I hope to contribute to the understanding of how the
channels open in responding to physiological
stimulation, and to be able to use the knowledge we
have on ion channels to find drugs for therapeutic uses.

CBAC brings together basic scientists and physician
scientists to exchange results on cardiovascular
research. It has been very helpful for me to understand
many clinical and physiological issues that are related
to my research at the molecular level. I hope that our
research benefits other CBAC members reciprocally.

I am most satisfied with that I have a warm and loving
family. I like reading, swimming and hiking. I do not find
time to do these everyday except that I have been
swimming almost daily for the last three years.

30 | CBAC Center Heartbeat