Manuel L. Covarrubias, MD, PhD
Professor, Department of Neuroscience
Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience
Contact
900 Walnut Street
JHN 4th floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-503-4340
215-503-4358 fax
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Manuel L. Covarrubias, MD, PhD
Professor, Department of Neuroscience
Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience
Research & Clinical Interests
The research in my laboratory focuses on voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv channels) expressed in the nervous system and the heart. We investigate the molecular mechanisms governing the function and regulation of these ion channels. In particular, we focus on: 1) inactivation gating of Kv channels and its modulation by auxiliary subunits and signaling cascades; 2) structural mapping of inhaled anesthetic/alcohol sites; and 3) functional impact of A-type potassium currents in dorsal root ganglion neurons. These studies can impact our understanding of neuronal plasticity, epilepsy, pain, autism, arrhythmias, anesthesia and alcohol intoxication. Furthermore, they may reveal potential drug-targets. The research platform of our work is based on a modern multidisciplinary approach, which combines electrophysiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology and mathematical modeling.
Publications
- Targeted therapy improves cellular dysfunction, ataxia, and seizure susceptibility in a model of a progressive myoclonus epilepsy
- A structurally precise mechanism links an epilepsy-associated KCNC2 potassium channel mutation to interneuron dysfunction
- Fundamental Neurochemistry Review: The role of enteroendocrine cells in visceral pain
- Intestinal neuropod cell GUCY2C regulates visceral pain
- Enteroendocrine cell regulation of the gut-brain axis