Ion channel structure, regulation and conformational dynamics

Symposium programme

Membrane proteins such as ion channels represent a major class of drug targets. Both ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels are the targets of numerous ongoing drug discovery and development campaigns. This mini symposium will cover a diverse set of topics around the latest approaches to study the structure and regulation of ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels, as well as new methods to decipher real-time conformational changes in living cells. The speaker lineup includes Isabelle Baconguis (OHSU, USA) and Paul Miller (Cambridge, UK), who are experts in structure determination of trimeric (ASIC) and pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (GABA), respectively. Their area of expertise is complemented by David MacLean (Rochester, USA), who is well-reknown for his expertise in deciphering the function and pharmacology of trimeric and tetrameric ligand-gated ion channels (iGluR and ASIC). Lastly, local postdoc Laurie Peverini (ILF, KU) will highlight how chemical biology tools can be used to decipher protein-proteininteractions, pharmacology and conformational landscape of the cardiac voltage-gated ion channel Nav1.5.

The symposium is organized on behalf of the graduate programme in pharmaceutical sciences, Drug Research Academy, by Profs. Bente Frølund & Stephan Pless, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

The symposium is free of charge and open for attendance by all interested parties. It is not necessary to pre-register.