Pharmacology
Medical School
Twin Cities
Award Year
2019
University Award
Distinguished McKnight University Professors
Research Title
Molecules and mechanisms that regulate cell excitability in the heart and brain
Section A
, Location 14
The function of the heart and brain is shaped by excitatory and inhibitory influences acting at the cellular level. Many debilitating medical problems including arrhythmias, epilepsy, addiction, and pain are caused by an imbalance in cell excitability. Professor Kevin Wickman seeks to elucidate molecular mechanisms that impact cell excitability in the heart and brain. With this knowledge, new approaches to diagnose, treat, or prevent medical problems linked to pathological excitability can be envisioned, developed, and optimized.