Our research interests
Ion channels have emerged as important regulators of embryonic development. Research in our lab has identified the mechanism by which mutations that disrupt an ion channel lead to cleft palate and limb abnormalities. We are the first to show that cells that send developmental cues, like BMP, are electrically active during embryogenesis. We showed that depolarization induces BMP release from cells that send developmental cues from insects to mammals. This is important because ion channels are the targets of thousands of drugs that can be used during pregnancy, for example nicotine, cannabidiol, and medications for neurological or cardiovascular issues. We need to understand how ion channels regulate developmental signaling so that we can make informed decisions about what is safe to take during pregnancy. Furthermore, this work can be harnessed to augment regenerative medicine.
