Ion Channels and Development

[Past Projects]

Dr. Jordan Renna and Matthew Tarchick


Our lab studies the development of circuits in the retina. During development, an interconnected layer of the retina called the starburst amacrine cell layer fires bursting patterns. These patterns occur for 10-12 days. A specific interest to me is the how potassium and calcium conductance plays a modulating role in these bursting patterns, and how those bursts can pass on information. To better understand conductance, we are exploring the expression of ion channel proteins and genes, as well as visualizing their location, and using agents which inhibit those channel activities. To study this, we use many typical molecular biology methods like immunohistochemistry, western blotting and quantitative PCR. With western blotting we can get an idea of the change in protein expression and monitor the presence of a protein in the retina. With Immunohistochemistry we can get a better look at the localization of a certain protein. I am looking for students that can help me by learning these techniques. These techniques are very valuable for careers in medical research and various other biomedical studies.
Fig 1. Retinal Lysate Western Blot of Beta Actin
Fig 2. Immunohistochemistry: Blut DAPI Red Choline Acetyl Transferase Green Small Conductance Potassium Channel

Click here for more information on Dr.Renna’s lab.