Logo for University of Iowa Health Care This logo represents the University of Iowa Health Care

Neuronal Ion Channels

The Composition and Trafficking of Neuronal Ion Channels Research Program of Excellence research focuses on the ion channel proteins that support human motion, the formation of thoughts, and the perception of our environment. Inherited or acquired defects in ion channels cause myriad human diseases, including epilepsy, pain syndromes, cognitive disabilities and muscle disorders, making them high-value targets for therapeutic development. This team is focused on advancing the understanding of Charcot-Marie-Tooth, an inherited neuromuscular disease. One focal area is the putative role of ER stress in Schwann cells and whether this alone is sufficient to lead to a CMT phenotype.

Investigators:

Christopher A. Ahern, PhD

Michael Shy, MD

Thomas Rutkowski, PhD

Robert Piper, PhD