Description: This course explores the role for ion channels in a variety of physiological systems, the consequences of dysfunction of electrical signaling in disease, and the utilities of therapeutic ion channel modulating drugs.
Structure: This mini-course will include seminars led by Dr McClenaghan, introducing the role of specific ion channels in a variety of cellular systems with an emphasis on roles in pathology; and group discussions of how ion channel targets can be identified, how drug candidates are identified, and even what the future may hold for ion channel drug discovery!
Outcome: Students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of electrophysiology and insights into drug discovery approaches.
Grading: Assessments will be based on contributions to group discussions and presentations on ion channel targeting drugs.
Course Materials: This will consist of primary literature and review papers, which will be assigned ahead of time.