Brian W. Jarecki

Affiliations:

Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN, United States

Area:

Voltage-gated sodium channels, Electrophysiology, Channelopathies, Pain, Pharmacology, Channel Structure and Biophysics

Website:

http://medicine.iu.edu/body.cfm?id=6852

Google:

"Brian Jarecki"

Bio:

My research focuses on voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs), which are dynamic transmembrane proteins, and their unique role in pain. In particular, I am investigating the structural and biophysical characteristics of a sensory neuronal VGSC isoform (Nav1.7). Missense mutations in the gene (SCN9A) encoding this protein have been linked to specific painful disorders in human populations. Conversely, patients found to have nonsense mutations in the same gene report no sensation of pain. The single-point (missense) mutations, found in select regions of the Nav1.7 channel, appear to have distinct effects on the gating properties of this channel. Therefore, using electrophysiological techniques, along with molecular biology and computer-based molecular modeling, we hope to (1) develop a better understanding of the structure of Nav1.7, (2) determine how mutations within the channel affect its gating properties, and (3) investigate how these structural changes alter pain sensation.

Mean distance: 15.74 (cluster 11)

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Cross-listing: Chemistry Tree