Nonclassical Ion Channels in the Nervous System (Methods in Signal Transduction Series

Ion channels generate bioelectricity. Recent findings have documented the biophysical properties, the structure, assembly and regulation, and function and dysfunction of nonclassical nervous system ion channels. This book reviews nonclassical ion channel research, ranging from the basic biology, structure, regulations to their functions not only in normal physiology but also neurological disorders, using a variety of cutting-edge techniques and novel animal models.

Tian-Le Xu, PhD, Principal Investigator and Professor

Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai

Dr. Tian-Le Xu obtained PhD of Neurobiology from Fourth Military Medical University. He did his postdoc training at Kyushu University and then joined University of Science and Technology of China as Professor. He was a principal investigator at Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Currently, he is Professor at Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Dr. Xu’s research focuses on neuronal signaling and related neural disorders including chronic pain and ischemic stroke, with an emphasis on the role of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in these processes. The research from Dr. Xu’s lab has unveiled rich and new knowledge on the regulation and diverse functions of ASICs in health and disease.

Long-Jun Wu, PhD, Professor and Consultant

Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic

Dr. Long-Jun Wu received PhD of Neurobiology from University of Science and Technology of China. After postdoc trainings at University of Toronto and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Wu was Instructor at Harvard Medical School and then Assistant Professor at Rutgers University. Currently, he is Professor and Consultant at Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic. Dr. Wu’s recent research primarily focuses on the neuroimmune interaction, particularly the function of microglial ion channels and receptors, in normal and diseased brain. By understanding and manipulating microglial functions, Dr. Wu’s research aim to develop potential therapeutics targeting microglia in the treatment of various neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, chronic pain, stroke, neurodegeneration and autoimmune neurology.