My lab focuses on structure/function studies of membrane proteins and polypeptides, especially those involved in ion translocation and transport. Of particular interest are voltage-gated sodium channels: we have recently determined the first crystal structure of a sodium channel in its open conformation.
We have also determined the first crystal structures of complex of a sodium channel with several eukaryotic sodium channel blockers, which we have shown (in collaboration with the Clapham Lab at Harvard) block prokaryotic channels, making this channel an excellent candidate for drug discovery/development.
