Computational Neurophysiology (Jan-Philipp Machtens)

About

We combine all-atom molecular simulations, machine learning, and computational structure prediction, together with quantitative functional experiments (e.g., patch-clamp electrophysiology, time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy), to understand information processing in the brain under both normal and pathologic conditions at atomic resolution.

Research Topics

We investigate structure–dynamics–function relationships of important membrane proteins involved in neuronal signal processing and transmission such as voltage- or light-gated ion channels, neurotransmitter transporters, and receptors.

We currently focus on:

- transport mechanisms of SLC1 glutamate transporters

- molecular sound amplification in the inner ear by SLC26A5 (prestin)

- voltage-gated sodium channels in neuropathic pain

- developing light-gated ion channels as novel optogenetic tools

- developing machine-learning and multiscale methods to investigate voltage-dependent transport proteins

Contact

Prof. Dr. Jan-Philipp Machtens

IBI-1

Building 15.21 / Room 3044

+49 2461/61-84426

Computational Neurophysiology (Jan-Philipp Machtens)
Figure: Glutamate-transport cycle based on functional data and all-atom MD simulations.
Computational Neurophysiology (Jan-Philipp Machtens)
Figure: Prestin-mediated sound amplification. Outer hair cells, located in the Organ of Corti rapidly contract/expand to amplify the sound-signal sent to the brain; Prestin’s voltage dependent ‘Elevator-mechanism’ is responsible for expansion/contraction.

Members

Last Modified: 29.11.2024