Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel Physiologisches Institut - AG Ion Channels

Our Research Group "Ion Channels" (Prof. Dr. Thomas Baukrowitz) is interested in structure-function relationships of ion channels.

Potassium channels enable basic functions of life like action potential development and progression, muscle contraction or hormone secretion by regulating the plasma membrane potential of cells. Hence they are involved in numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes like pain, anesthesia, sleep, or migraine. the influences on gating of these K+ channels are manifold, besides de-/ hyper polarization and protein phosphorylation also temperature, intra- or extracellular pH, calcium ions, mechanical forces or pharmacological substances regulate ion channel function.

We are especially interested in structural changes in the channel protein underlying these regulation modalities in members or the K2P-, Kv- and Kir potassium channel families. Structure-function relationships are primarily examined by electrophysiological measurements with rapid fluid exchange systems, and in conjunction with molecular biology, biochemistry and fluorescence-optical methods mechanisms of regulation can be studied.