Research Interests

The overall goal of the research program in Dr. Koulen's laboratory is to understand the function of synaptic proteins and intracellular signaling proteins in order to define causes and potential treatments of diseases affecting the nervous system. The current research focus is on intracellular calcium channels. These proteins contribute critically to several cellular functions including gene regulation, cell growth and differentiation, nerve cell function, cell motility and contraction. Intracellular calcium channels and their associated proteins are investigated using electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry, optical imaging of intracellular calcium concentrations, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and electrophysiology. Defining the changes in protein function will help identifying novel pharmacological targets for neuronal pathophysiology. The ultimate goal of the research efforts is the determination of underlying mechanisms of action and development of pharmacological and molecular biological treatments for disorders of the renal and visual system, and for cognitive decline during aging and Alzheimer’s disease.