Dr. Miao Zhang
Email: zhang@chapman.edu
Website: https://www.chapman.edu/our-faculty/miao-zhang
College: School of Pharmacy
Overview of scholarly research/creative activity: Dr. Zhang’s group utilizes structural biology techniques to study ion channel pharmacology. Specific areas currently under investigation include (1) Molecular overlap in the modulation of SK channels by the small molecules and phosphinositides; (2) Structure based drug discovery for SK channels.
Specific projects working on: A novel mutation has been discovered that affects the small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ subtype 3 (SK3) channel gene and can subsequently lead to Zimmermann-Laband syndrome (ZLS [MIM: 135500]). There is no therapeutic agents available for ZLS. The ZLS-related mutations cause an increase in Ca2+ sensitivity of SK3 channels which results in gain-of-function of the channel. The objective will be carried out though the observation of the molecular and structural features of these mutated SK channels. Additionally, this research aims to look at the effect of some known SK channel inhibitors on mutant SK channels in order to identify some possible therapeutic agents. There is a 1.5 years old patient carrying the V555F mutation in the SK3 channel, suffering from the ZLS. The older the patient gets, the more severe his symptoms will be. It is emergent to find FDA-approved drugs that can reduce the Ca2+ sensitivity of the ZLS-related mutant channels, which may become available for compassionate use to the patient.
Number of students looking to work with: 1-2
Time commitment for students: A few hours per week.
Requirements for students who work with you: Familiar with Microsoft Excel.
When students are needed: Interterm 2021, Spring 2021, Summer 2021
What would students be expected to do: Data analysis and lab experiments