Research team
Expertise
My research is currently focused on the role of the Kv7.2 channel in Kv7-related epileptic and developmental encephalopathies.This research involves culturing human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and differentiating them into astrocytes, excitatory cortical neurons or inhibitory neurons. Spontaneous, electrical and drug-induced neuronal activity is recorded with a high-density microelectrode array (MEA). The results of the MEA experiments are analysed with statistical programmes in GraphPad Prism and R script. Molecular biology techniques and RNAseq are part of my current project. During my PhD and first year as a post-doctoral researcher, I focused on the identification of novel Kv7 channels openers to treat Kv7-related disorders and epilepsy. I used secondary cell lines to create Kv7 channel expression models and use them in in vitro fluorometric and colorimetric drug screening assays; I used the whole-cell patch-clamp technique in heterologous expression systems to study the effect of drugs on Kv7 channels. Moreover, I performed the isolation of primary cells (endothelial and astrocytic cells as well as microvessels) from mouse/rat brains. My researcher expertise also includes scientific writing (papers and grants), presenting to a scientific audience, communication to a non-scientific audience a lay version of my work, and mentoring undergraduate students.