Northwestern University · PharmacologySodium Channels and Neurodevelopment Unit
Richard S Smith · Evanston, Illinois
Research Focus
Dr. Richard S. Smith's research lab focuses on understanding how ion channel dysfunctions, particularly in sodium channels, affect brain development and lead to neurological disorders in children. By studying these processes in unique animal models, such as transient transgenic ferrets, the lab aims to uncover the biological origins of severe brain malformations and develop innovative RNA-based therapies that can intervene early in life to prevent long-term damage. Their work combines advanced experimental techniques with high-throughput screening methods to create effective treatments for complex neurodevelopmental diseases.
sodium channel dysfunctionneurodevelopmental disordersRNA therapeuticshigh-throughput screeningbrain development
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the prenatal effects of sodium channel variants on brain development.
AIM 02Define postnatal biological mechanisms associated with SCN2A disorders.
AIM 03Develop RNA therapies to stabilize neuronal activity early in life.
AIM 04Utilize high-throughput screening to evaluate therapies in cerebral organoids.
AIM 05Share data to enhance therapeutic targeting in human brain development.
Skills the Lab Values
transgenic animal modelsRNA sequencing3D cell culturemicroinjection techniqueselectrophysiology (action potentials)
Output against the department
Publications155bottom 43% of dept.260th of 462
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations12ktop 34% of dept.156th of 462
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.