Vascular Ion Channels in Physiology and Disease

Alex Dopico, PhD, MD, is Chair of Pharmacology and Distinguished Professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee.  His research interest focuses on the molecular interactions between small amphiphilic ligands, such as alcohol, and oligomeric ion channel proteins in excitable tissues, with a particular focus on cerebral artery smooth muscle.  Emphasis is put on determining site(s) of action and ion channel gating mechanisms targeted by the amphiphiles, role of membrane lipid microenvironment in regulating ligand-ion channel interaction, and consequences of such interaction on tissue and organ function.  Dr. Dopico currently holds a Merit Award from NIAAA, and also served as editor of the book Methods in Membrane Lipids published by Humana in 2007.

Irena Levitan, PhD, is a Professor of Medicine and Adjunct Professor of Pharmacology and Bioengineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her currentresearch interests focus on cholesterol regulation of ion channels and cellular biomechanics. She was named a Guyton Distinguished Lecturer by the Association of Chairs of Departments of Physiology for her quantitative and biophysical work on cholesterol modulation of ion channels and how this can affect integrated organ function. She also served as editor of the book  Cholesterol Regulation of Ion Channels and Receptors , published by Wiley in 2012.