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Dr. Lu's laboratory investigates the molecular and the biophysical mechanisms of inward-rectifier potassium channels and cyclic-nucleotide-gated channels, using a combined approach of biophysics, biochemistry and molecular biology. Specifically, they investigate the channel mechanisms that enable the inward-rectifier potassium channels to control cardiac pacemaker rate, to regulate communication strength between neurons and to couple blood glucose level to insulin secretion, and the mechanisms that enable the cGMP-gated channel to mediate visual photo-transduction in the eye. Additionally, they develop specific inhibitors for various types of physiological and pathophysiological important ion channels through both passive screening and active design. Selected Publications: Ramu, Y., Y. Xu, Z. Lu (2006) Enzymatic activation of voltage-gated K+ channels. Nature 442:6967-699. Shin, H-G., Z. Lu (2005) Mechanism of the voltage sensitivity of IRK1 inward-rectifier K+ channel block by the polyamine spermine. Journal of General Physiology 125:413-426. Guo, D., Y. Ramu, A.M. Klem, Z. Lu (2003) Mechanism of rectification in inward-rectifier K+ channels. Journal of General Physiology 121:261-275. Lu, Z., A.M. Klem, Y. Ramu (2002) Coupling between voltage sensors and activation gate in voltage-gated K+ channels. Journal of General Physiology 120:663-676. Lu, Z., A.M. Klem, Y. Ramu (2001) Ion conduction pore is conserved among K+ channels. Nature 413:809-813. |
