Aravind singh kshatri, Ph.D.
Sr. Scientist,Division of Neuroscience and Ageing Biology
The ion channel research laboratory
Ion channels are specialized membrane proteins that participate in a plethora of physiological processes in the central nervous system. Recent evidences highlight that dysregulation of glial ion channels is linked to neuroinflammation, which is a common feature documented in all neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease etc. Current treatments for these diseases are very limited probably due to the lack of mechanistic understanding of their complex molecular pathways and unavailability of therapeutic interventions that target glial specific ion channels. Therefore, neurodegenerative diseases are considered a major public crisis of our time. To address this scientific gap, our laboratory meticulously focuses on, 1. Elucidating the pathophysiological role of ion channels in the pathogenesis and progression of these diseases, 2. Identification, development and validation of novel small molecule modulators against these ion channels to ameliorate neurodegeneration. To accomplish these objectives, we use a combination of multidisciplinary approaches such as patch clamp electrophysiology, mathematical modelling, molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, imaging and animal research.
Another important line of work in our lab is to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms responsible for the pain chronification and discovery of modulators of peripheral nociceptive ion channels including NaV, TRP, ASIC etc. to alleviate chronic neuropathic pain.
