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Sam Usher
DPhil Student
Fluorescence spectroscopy and electrophysiology of the KATP channel
The ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel couples the metabolic state of a cell to its electrical activity. The regulation of the channel by the ratio of intracellular adenine nucleotides (ATP:ADP) is critical for insulin secretion and blood glucose homeostasis.
To study the binding of nucleotides to KATP, I use a combination of fluorescence spectroscopy and electrophysiology with channels incorporating a non-canonical, fluorescent amino acid.
I hope to further our understanding of the biophysical properties of the channel, and how mutations which cause diabetes or hyperinsulinemia can disrupt its regulation.
Recent publications
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Measuring Nucleotide Binding to Intact, Functional Membrane Proteins in Real Time.
Journal article
Usher SG. et al, (2021), J Vis Exp
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New insights into KATP channel gene mutations and neonatal diabetes mellitus.
Journal article
Pipatpolkai T. et al, (2020), Nat Rev Endocrinol, 16, 378 - 393
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Activation mechanism of ATP-sensitive K+ channels explored with real-time nucleotide binding.
Journal article
Puljung M. et al, (2019), Elife, 8
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FTO influences adipogenesis by regulating mitotic clonal expansion.
Journal article
Merkestein M. et al, (2015), Nat Commun, 6