Research in the group is focussed on how neurons in the brain receive, integrate and transform signals.
In particular, we are interested in:

1. how potassium channels and other ion channels shape and regulate the electrical response patterns and excitability of hippocampal and other neurons;
2. how neurotransmitters and neuromodulators affect the activity of ion channels and change the integrative properties of neurons;
3. ion channels, and especially potassium channels, as potential targets for the treatment of hyperexcitability disorders.

We use electrophysiology (patch clamp in brain slices and slice cultures) on normal and genetically modifiedanimals in combination with molecular biology and immunohistochemistry.

G. Raffaelli, C. Saviane, M. H. Mohajerani, P. Pedarzani & E. Cherubini (2004):BK channels control transmitter release at CA3-CA3 synapses in the rat hippocampus..J. Physiol.,:557: 147-157.

D. D´hoedt, K. Hirzel, P. Pedarzani & M. Stocker (2004):Domain analysis of the calcium-activated potassium channel SK1 from rat brain: Functional expression and toxin sensitivity..J. Biol. Chem.:279: 12088-12092.

M. Stocker, K. Hirzel, D. D´hoedt & P. Pedarzani (2004):Matching molecules to function: Neuronal Ca2+-activated K+ channels and afterhyperpolari-zations..REVIEW:43: 933-949.

L.A. Cingolani, M. Gymnopoulos, A. Boccaccio, M. Stocker & P. Pedarzani (2002):Developmental regulation of small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel expression and function in rat Purkinje neurons..Journal of Neuroscience:22: 4456-4467.

P. Pedarzani, D. D´hoedt, K.B. Doorty, J.D.F. Wadsworth, J.S. Joseph, K. Jeyaseelan, R.M. Kini, S.V. Gadre, S.M. Sapatnekar, M. Stocker & P.N. Strong (2002):Tamapin, a venom peptide from the Indian red scorpion (Mesobuthus tamulus) that targets small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels and afterhyperpolarization currents in central neurons..J. Biol. Chem.:277: 46101-46109..