Dr Martin Stocker
Reader in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
Neuro, Physiology & Pharmacology
Div of Biosciences
- Joined UCL
- 1st Dec 2000
Research summary
The laboratory studies several aspects of potassium channel molecular physiology, combining molecular biology with electrophysiology, histochemistry and biochemistry. In particular, we investigate the mechanisms responsible for targeting, clustering and regulation of calcium-activated potassium channels to understand how these channels influence the signal processing of neurons in the central nervous system. A second line of research concerns the structural and functional properties of the modulatory potassium channel subunits, which comprise one-fourth of all voltage-gated K+ channels. The aim is to understand the physiological relevance of these ion channels in particular in the central nervous system. Finally, we are screening and characterizing novel drugs and toxins acting as highly selective blockers or openers of potassium channels. These molecules are invaluable tools to define the function of different potassium channels.
Education
- Ruhr-Universitat Bochum
- Doctorate, Doctor rerum naturalium | 1991
- Ruhr-Universitat Bochum
- First Degree, Diplom | 1989