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Research Groups

Peter Århem, Ph.D.

Peter Århem

The Århem Lab

Research Focus

The behavioural and perceptual states of the brain correlate with specific oscillatory patterns of electric activity. The parameters shaping these patterns include network configuration, neuronal connection strengths and the inherent firing properties of the neurons.

We are studying the factors determining the neuronal firing pattern, focusing on potassium channels, a large group of membrane proteins that are key elements in regulating neuronal resting potential and excitability.

How these ion channels interact with each other, and with the manifold of ligand-activated receptors, and how they are modified by pharmacological agents in sculpturing the firing pattern, is a major problem within the increasingly important field of systems biology.

We use mathematical and physical theory together with electrophysiological and molecular biology methods, including the voltage and patch clamp techniques, and the Xenopus ocyte preparation, to obtain information on these issues.

Thus, we are studying the principles determining the structure of the firing, the mechanisms of action for anaesthetics, antiepileptics, antiarrythmics, as well as antiparkinsonian drugs, at a molecular and atomic level, and the complex interaction between G-protein coupled receptors and effector channels. We also interact with philosophers to clarify upcoming issues in the intricate field of cognitive processing.

Selected Publications

Sahlholm K, Nilsson J, Marcellino D, Fuxe K, Århem P

Voltage-dependence of the human dopamine D2 receptor.

Synapse 62: 476-480, 2008

Klement G, Nilsson J, Århem P, Elinder F

A tyrosine substitution in the cavity wall of a K channel induces an inverted inactivation.

Biophysics Journal 94: 3014-3022, 2008

Århem P, Klement G , Blomberg C

Channel density regulation of neuronal coding: Graded action potentials and repetitive firing in a cortical neuron.

Biophysics Journal 90: 4392-4404, 2006

Elinder F, Århem P

Metal ion effects on ion channel gating.

Quarterly Reviews of Biophysics 36: 373-427, 2004

Århem P

The voltage sensing in ion channels: A 50 year old mystery resolved?

Lancet 363: 1221-1223, 2004

Professor Peter Århem

Work:
08-524 874 77
Work:
08-524 869 03
E-mail:
Department of Neuroscience
Karolinska Institutet
Retzius väg 8
S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden

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