Dr. John Bankston's lab at the University of Colorado Denver investigates ion channels, which are proteins that control ion flow in and out of cells. Specifically, the lab focuses on Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, both of which are crucial for understanding cellular excitability, pain sensing, and heart function. Through their research, they aim to discover how lipids and other molecules influence these channels, with the potential to develop new therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Anthony Wei Peng's lab at the University of Colorado Denver focuses on the intricate processes that enable our ears to hear. By studying how hair cells in the cochlea convert sound vibrations into electrical signals, the lab aims to understand the molecular mechanisms behind hearing and the effects of genetic mutations that could lead to hearing loss. Their research not only sheds light on normal auditory function but also seeks to identify potential targets for improving therapies for hearing impairments.