About Dr Martin Stocker

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.

Research Activities

• Potassium channels as multiprotein complexes: targeting, localisation and functional correlation
• Regulation of G Protein-Coupled Receptor Function by the G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase Family
• Regulation of signal processing in neurons
• Visual function and disease

For further information and an updated list of publications, please see here.