Assoc. Prof. Mag. Dr. Helmut Kubista

Department(s): Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology (Center for Physiology and Pharmacology)
Position: Professor
Location:
E-Mail:
Further information: http://www.meduniwien.ac.at/hp/1/zpp/departments/neurophysiology-and-neuropharmacology/

Research Area:
Calcium Channels, L-Type

Research Interests:
Neuropharmacology, Neurophysiology

Principle Investigator(s):

• Kubista, Helmut (Head)

Interest Group(s):

• Epilepsy

Abstract:

Research in the group focuses on the role of various ion channels in the electrical activities of nerve cells. The aim of our work is to understand their implication in normal and abnormal discharge patterns. Our ultimate goal is to assess the potential targetability of these channels in neurological diseases. Currently we are investigating these questions with respect to L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (LTCCs). We identified a precipitating role of enhanced levels of LTCC activity in interictal discharge patterns, so called paroxysmal depolarization shifts (PDS), which are now increasingly understood as neuropathologic events, most probably exceeding epileptogenic mechanisms.

Techniques:

We primarily perform current-clamp experiments to record membrane voltage using the minimally invasive perforated-patch mode. In addition, voltage clamp experiments are employed for further analysis. The investigations are performed on primary cultures of hippocampal neurons derived from rats and genetically modified mice strains.

Selected Publications:

1. Rubi L, Schandl U, Lagler M, Geier P, Spies D, Gupta K, Boehm S, Kubista H (2013) Raised Activity of L-Type Calcium Channels Renders Neurons Prone to Form Paroxysmal Depolarization Shifts Neuromolecular Med., 15 (3): 476-492
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2. Geier P, Lagler M, Boehm S, Kubista H (2011) Dynamic interplay of excitatory and inhibitory coupling modes of neuronal L-type calcium channels Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, 300 (4): C937-C949
3. Kubista H, Mafra RA, Chong Y, Nicholson GM, Beirão PS, Cruz JS, Boehm S, Nentwig W, Kuhn-Nentwig L. (2007) CSTX-1, a toxin from the venom of the hunting spider Cupiennius salei, is a selective blocker of L-type calcium channels in mammalian neurons Neuropharmacology, 52: 1650-1662

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