Abbott Bioelectricity Lab Research
Research in the Abbott Bioelectricity Laboratory is aimed at a fuller understanding of ion channels and other proteins that contribute to bioelectricity, and development of channel-targeted therapies. Recent emphases are regulation of potassium channels by small molecules and the molecular mechanisms of action of indigenous botanical medicines.
Welcome from Professor Abbott
Welcome to the Abbott Bioelectricity Lab. We are focused on elucidating the molecular basis for ion channel and transporter physiology and pathophysiology. One of the main directions of the lab has been to define the roles of the KCNE and KCNQ gene families of potassium channel subunits, using a combination of techniques including mouse and human genetics, electrophysiology, pharmacology, transcriptomics and state-of-the-art imaging modalities. This includes research stemming from our unexpected discovery that the neurotransmitter GABA and related molecules can bind directly to certain voltage-gated potassium channels to activate them.
Another major focus is the discovery of the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial actions of traditional herbal and other botanical medicines. Other interests include discovery of novel ion channel subunits and small molecules to modulate ion channel function, ion channel-transporter interactions, and investigation of ion channel trafficking. Abnormal functioning of ion channels can cause disorders including cardiac arrhythmia, epilepsy, myotonia, ataxia, periodic paralysis, hypothyroidism and cancer. We are employing a multidisciplinary approach aimed at understanding the molecular etiologies of, and ultimately developing therapies for, a wide spectrum of “channelopathies” – human diseases arising from ion channel dysfunction.
Geoffrey W. Abbott, PhD
Professor, Physiology & Biophysics
Director, Abbott Bioelectricity Lab
News
February 21-23, 2025
Abbott Bioelectricity Lab Medicinal Plant Collection Field Trip 044 – Hermitage, Brown Bay, Waterlemon Bay, St. John National Park, USVI
February 8, 2025
The Abbott Bioelectricity Lab has been awarded a National Ataxia Foundation $50K pilot grant to conduct preclinical studies on the safety and efficacy of specific plant metabolites in correcting Episodic Ataxia Type 1!
December 27, 2024
Drs. Abbott and Manville’s Viewpoint article on the role of sodium channels in new and future analgesics has been published in JPET.
Dr. Roberto Levi, who spearheaded JPET Viewpoint articles and was the handling editor for our article, very sadly passed away suddenly in early December, 2024. Dr. Levi was a wonderful friend and colleague and he will be greatly missed.
December 30, 2024
The Abbott and Yu labs publish a paper in PNAS demonstrating the discovery and mechanistic basis of rescue of Episodic Ataxia Type 1 by the conifer metabolite, pisiferic acid. Congratulations to first author Rian Manville and co-authors Lorenzo Foglia, Ryan Yoshimura, Derk Hogenkamp and Amy Nguyen.
December 13, 2024
Congratulations to Dr. Ryan Yoshimura (front left, accompanied by Dr. Rian Manville) for receiving the annual Best Contributions to Lab Citizenship and Productivity award from the Department of Physiology & Biophysics, UC Irvine School of Medicine.
Abbott Bioelectricity Lab featured in an article published in the Daily Mail national newspaper in the UK
Manville et al., iScience 2024: The Abbott, Lewis and Goldstein labs reveal a molecular basis for pH sensing in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, paving the way for potential antifungal drug development. Congratulations to first author Dr. Rian Manville!