Mathematical Biology seminar
Mike Sanguinetti
Dept of Physiology and CVRTI
"Gating and block of cardiac hERG potassium channels"
October 5, 2005
3:05pm, LCB 215
Many potassium-selective ion channels mediate repolarization of the cardiac
myocyte action potential. Our laboratory uses molecular biology and
biophysical techniques to study the mechanisms and structural basis of how
these channels open and close in response to changes in transmembrane
potential and how the channels are blocked by drugs. Most of our work is
focused on the hERG potassium channel. Drug block of hERG channels or
mutations in the gene that encodes the channel causes long QT syndrome, a
disorder of ventricular repolarization that predisposes affected
individuals to lethal heart rhythms. In this talk, the basic properties of
hERG channel gating (opening and closing of the K+-selective pore) will be
presented, followed by an in-depth molecular analysis of channel gating
modification/block by divalent cations and commonly prescribed drugs.
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Mathematical Biology Program
Department of Mathematics
University of Utah
155 South 1400 East Room 233
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
rasmusse@math.utah.edu
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