Team Philippe LORY

Ion channels in neuronal excitability and diseases

Philippe Lory
DR1, CNRS

The work in Lory’s team is dedicated to the study of voltage-gated calcium and sodium channels (Cav and Nav) and the ‘leak’ sodium channels (NALCN) in physiology and diseases. These ion channels are central in the electrophysiological activity of excitable cells, especially neurons. Dysfunction of these channels leads to a wide group of diseases known as “channelopathies”. Our goal is to decipher how these ion channels are involved in the disease mechanisms underlying severe neurodevelopmental disorders (Cav3.1 and NALCN) and neuromuscular disorders (Nav1.4). We develop in vitro, in vivo and in silico models of these conditions, and seek for new therapeutic strategies. Our work helps identifying further the physiological role of these ion channels in hormone secretion, muscle excitability and motor function in the cerebellum, among others.