Neurophysiology

Our group focusses on the molecular basis of the origin of peripheral pain, especially when caused by mutations in voltage-gated sodium channels. This channel is responsible for the fast upstroke of the action potential and thus neuronal excitability. We use induced pluripotent stem cells from patients suffering from chronic, inherited pain syndromes and differentiate them into sensory neurons. With patch-clamp, multi-electrode arrays, immunocytochemistry and molecular biological methods, we use this translational cell model to investigating basic mechanisms of development of peripheral pain and possible therapeutic options.