Dr. Al George is one of the investigators in the project. Primary responsibilties include genotyping DNA samples.

Dr. George's lab is currently investigating the role of genetic mutations in specific ion channel genes in the molecular pathogenesis of certain hereditary disorders of striated muscle and neuronal excitability. Included in this research program is work aimed at identifying and functionally characterizing disease-producing point mutations in human voltage-dependent sodium channels, and human chloride channels. These investigations have yielded considerable new knowledge regarding the structure and function of ion channels as well as providing molecular and biophysical explanations for several interesting phenotypes including periodic paralysis, various forms of inherited myotonia, congenital long QT syndrome, and certain types of familial epilepsy. This work requires the use of molecular biological and molecular genetic techniques as well as in vitro expression studies and electrophysiology

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Lab URL: http://dna.mc.vanderbilt.edu