Determining the effects of gating modifier compounds on cultured central nervous system neurons as potential therapeutics against epilepsy.

Voltage-gated sodium channels are key contributors to excitability in living organisms; hence, modulation of these channels through mutations and/or environmental triggers can often lead to serious disorders. Having an enriched understanding of the sodium channel electrophysiology may result in uncovering potential therapeutic targets. The general aims of our research include studying the effects of various modulators on sodium channels through well-established electrophysiological techniques. These efforts will be an effort to discover potentially therapeutic modulators against sodium channel-mediated epilepsies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Peter Charles Ruben

Student:

Partner:

Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program: