Research Focus

• Electrophysiology and molecular biology of renal and cardiac ion channels
• Channelopathies and regulation of ion channels by associated proteins
• Role of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension
• Dysfunction of cardiac ion channels in cardiac hypertrophy as a possible cause for arrhythmias

isolated rat cardiomyocyte

microdissected collecting duct from mouse kidney

The research focus of the institute is concerned with the study of renal and cardiac ion channels. This research area is of pathophysiological relevance, since an inappropriate regulation of renal and cardiac ion channels may play an important role for the development of diseases, e.g. arterial hypertension or cardiac arrhythmias.

At the institute modern molecular biological and cell physiological methods are being used as well as animal models. The aim of this integrated experimental approach is to investigate the complex interplay of physiological and pathophysiological processes and to understand the molecular basis of disease.

With its focus on kidney and cardiovascular research the institute contributes to this core area of research of the Medical Faculty and to the recently established Collaborative Research Centre 1350.

Research Groups

Renal epithelial ion channels (Research group of Prof. Korbmacher)

Cardiac ion channels (Research group of Prof. Volk)